During the ongoing first Test match between India and England, a promo for the Asia Cup 2025 was broadcast, triggering a wave of reactions across the internet. The promo featured visuals of only three teams, which drew immediate attention and sparked debate, particularly among Indian cricket fans.
The primary point of contention arose from the fact that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) holds the hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2025. The promotional material, which seemingly omitted key participants or presented an incomplete picture, led to questions and speculation about the BCCI's involvement and the overall planning of the tournament. Social media platforms were flooded with comments and opinions, with many users expressing surprise and seeking clarification on the matter.
Several fans took to social media to express their confusion and amusement. Some speculated whether this was a deliberate move, while others wondered if it was simply an oversight. The hashtag #ButBCCI quickly gained traction as fans shared their thoughts and theories about the promo.
Adding to the intrigue, there have been reports suggesting that the Asia Cup 2025 might be shifted from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. While India is expected to retain the official hosting rights, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is likely to finalize the UAE as the neutral venue. The UAE has a proven track record of hosting major cricket tournaments, including the 2021 T20 World Cup and previous Asia Cups, making it a viable option.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in September and will be played in the T20 format, serving as a warm-up for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The tournament will feature eight teams, including the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These teams will be joined by Hong Kong, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, who qualified through the 2024 ACC Men's Premier Cup. The teams will be split into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a Super Four stage, followed by a final between the top two teams from that stage.
Given these factors, the broadcast of the promo with only three teams has amplified existing questions and uncertainties surrounding the Asia Cup 2025. While an official schedule is still awaited, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating more details about the tournament, including the venues and fixtures. The coming weeks will likely bring more clarity as the ACC finalizes the arrangements and addresses the concerns raised by fans and observers alike.