With the 2025 Asia Cup facing growing uncertainty amid strained India-Pakistan relations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively exploring a tri-nation T20I series involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternative, as per multiple media reports.
Asia Cup clouded by political tension
The Asia Cup, currently slated for September in India, is at risk due to the ongoing diplomatic stalemate between India and Pakistan. Under the previously agreed hybrid model for ICC events, Pakistan is not expected to travel to India. This has put the entire Asia Cup schedule in jeopardy.
“With the Asia Cup now unlikely to be held in India as originally planned in September due to the simmering relations between Pakistan and India, the PCB is working on another tri-series proposal,” said a well-informed source in the PCB, quoted as per NDTV Sports.
The source further noted, “The Indian cricket board is yet to confirm its willingness to host the Asia Cup at home. So, it remains to be seen when the ACC council meets and makes a call on the future of the Asia Cup which is to be held in the T20 format,” also quoted as per NDTV Sports.
Tri-series in UAE or Pakistan under consideration
The proposed tri-nation series would replace Pakistan’s planned bilateral T20I series with Afghanistan, initially scheduled for August. Depending on the Asia Cup’s status, the new event could be held either in Dubai or Pakistan.
“The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai in August replacing the Afghanistan tour to Pakistan,” the source explained, quoted as per NDTV Sports.
“If the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed the PCB wants the Afghanistan and UAE teams to play the tri-series in Pakistan in August,” the source disclosed, quoted as per NDTV Sports.
The UAE has recently showcased its growing white-ball prowess, highlighted by a 2-1 T20I series win over Bangladesh at home. Their inclusion in the proposed series offers a valuable opportunity for all participating teams to prepare under conditions likely to resemble those of the Asia Cup.
Strategic prep ahead of major ICC events
The proposed tri-series is more than a contingency plan—it’s also a strategic build-up to major events, including the 2025 Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup. All three teams would benefit from high-quality match practice in familiar conditions.
Discussions between the PCB, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are said to be in advanced stages, with fixtures and venues expected to be finalized soon.
Pakistan’s packed T20 calendar
Pakistan’s T20 calendar is already heating up. After a dominant 3-0 home series win against Bangladesh in Lahore, the team is expected to tour Dhaka next month for a return series. In August, a Salman Agha-led squad is also scheduled to travel to the United States for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.
As uncertainty looms over the Asia Cup, the PCB’s proactive planning could ensure its team remains sharp and battle-ready for the high-stakes tournaments on the horizon.
