Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh got hurt in training before the Manchester Test in the England series. He hit his bowling hand while stopping a ball. India’s coach confirmed the injury.
Bangladesh Keeps Same Team for Pakistan Series
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) kept the same squad for the T20 series in Dhaka from July 20 to July 24. Led by Litton Das, players include Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
This series will serve as a warm-up for the Asia Cup 2025 and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
ICC Steps In for Asia Cup 2025 Talks
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the future of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore. This comes because the ACC meeting in Dhaka was delayed.
The ACC meeting, planned for July 24–26, may move from Dhaka due to political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Why the Shift from Dhaka?
India and Sri Lanka skipped the ACC meeting in Dhaka. They are worried about current unrest.
The BCCI asked the ACC to hold the meeting at a neutral site like Dubai, or else it might not attend .
Asia Cup 2025 Timeline and Format
The 17th Asia Cup will be held in September 2025. It will use the T20 format.
Eight teams will play: full members (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan) and qualifiers (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong).
Matches run from September 5 to 21, with two groups, a Super Four, and a final.
Tournament Structure:
- Group stage: Two groups of four, round-robin format
- Super Four: Top two from each group
- Final: Top two Super Four teams
India‑Pakistan Tensions Affect Asia Cup
Border tensions after the Pahalgam attack in April 2025 have made cricket hosting difficult. Fans in India demanded a boycott of matches vs. Pakistan.
The BCCI has not taken a final decision yet. They are under pressure from sponsors and broadcasters to play India‑Pakistan games due to high revenue.
Possible Solutions: Hybrid Model or UAE Venue
A hybrid model may be used: Pakistan matches may be played in UAE while other matches stay in India.
There is a chance the entire event shifts to UAE for smoother logistics and security .
Pakistan’s Participation Under Question
An Asia Cup poster released by sponsors did not feature team Pakistan. This fueled rumors they might skip the tournament .
No official statement from PCB yet. But political tension may affect their attendance. The ACC President, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, may influence decisions.
ICC vs ACC: Who Will Decide?
Usually, ACC handles Asia Cup planning. But now ICC has taken over in the AGM. This is because India refused to send officials to Dhaka.
ICC discussions will explore options including moving the venue to neutral countries and finalizing India‑Pakistan matches under safe conditions.
What It Means for Fans and Teams
- Fans may miss in-stadium India‑Pakistan matches if held at neutral venues.
- Broadcasters need high-profile India‑Pakistan games to earn revenue.
- Teams from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong are ready but need confirmation.
- Asia Cup acts as a key preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
What Happens Next?
- July 17–18: ICC AGM will weigh in on format and venue.
- Late July: ACC meeting outcome will clarify decisions on India‑Pakistan matches and location.
- August: Official schedule, venues, and ticket plans expected.
The future of the Asia Cup 2025 depends on a balance of cricket and politics.
The ICC has stepped in because India and Sri Lanka skipped the meeting in Dhaka.
Fans hope a solution saves India‑Pakistan matches, either in India or UAE.
This Asia Cup is critical for T20 World Cup 2026 prep and will show how cricket adapts to diplomatic challenges.
