In a significant announcement, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed that India will host the T20 Asia Cup in 2025, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup slated for 2026 in the country.
The decision was highlighted in the ACC’s recent Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).
Traditionally, the Asia Cup serves as a preparatory platform for the World Cup, adapting the same format as the impending global event.
The 2023 edition, managed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, followed a 'Hybrid Model' due to India's refusal to play in Pakistan, leading to matches being held in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh is set to host the 2027 Asia Cup in the One Day International (ODI) format, aligning with the 50-over World Cup scheduled in South Africa that year.
Both the T20 event in India and the ODI tournament in Bangladesh will feature 13 matches each, totaling 26 fixtures during the period.
The ACC’s IEOI statement elaborated, "Men’s Asia Cup Tournament' refers to the biennial senior men’s cricket competition organised by the ACC, involving designated Members. This includes teams from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one Non-Test playing Member of ACC selected through qualifying events."