Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan schedule locked

Pakistan will take part in a tri-nation series involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, likely set to take place in September. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the series is set to be played in the UAE, helping Pakistan acclimatize to the conditions for the Asia Cup.

Pakistan recently played a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The Bangla Tigers secured their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan, clinching the series 2-1. They won the opening game by seven wickets and the second by eight runs. Pakistan managed a consolation victory in the final match.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Opens Up on Afghanistan, UAE Joining Tri-Series Before Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board has proposed turning their upcoming bilateral series with Afghanistan into a tri-nation tournament by including the UAE. Final approval is expected after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bangladesh.

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Speaking after the ACC's Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, PCB Chief and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the tri-series will be held in the UAE just before the Asia Cup 2025.

“Yes, it’s confirmed and will take place before the Asia Cup in UAE,” Naqvi stated.

Naqvi also responded positively to the idea of a possible tri-series in 2026 involving Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh.

“I wish we can have it. Definitely, we would like to have it,” Naqvi said with a smile.

Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Stance on Tri-Series Against Pakistan and UAE

Meanwhile, on July 5, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman Mirwais Ashraf spoke about changing the planned bilateral T20I series with Pakistan into a tri-nation tournament, with the UAE joining as both a participant and host.

Ashraf said that while the series was originally scheduled for August as a two-team contest, Pakistan proposed the inclusion of a third side. He noted that the tri-series would serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.

“A T20I series against Pakistan was scheduled for August, but they suggested adding another team — UAE — to the series,” Ashraf stated.

“The tri-nation series will be helpful for us to prepare for the Asia Cup,” he added.

Discussions between the cricket boards of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE are ongoing, with a formal schedule expected once logistical details are finalized. The tri-series is to help the team with match conditions similar to those expected in the UAE-hosted Asia Cup.

High Participation at ACC’s Annual General Meeting in Bangladesh

24 of the 25 member nations attended the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, exceeding the required quorum of 13.

Earlier, the meeting’s venue faced resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Oman Cricket. However, the meeting went ahead as scheduled in Bangladesh.

India, which had initially expressed concerns, participated virtually, with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expected to join the session online.

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