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ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 schedule announced

msb314 said:
I don’t know…

India has never hosted the Asia Cup but hosted multiple ICC events so I’m thinking the reason is due to lack of profit sharing to BCCi
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Those who don't know, india never takes its share of profit from Asia Cup but distributes amongs the other Asian countries ( Associate nations) for development of their cricket. India never hosted its home Asia Cup to home but outside India after 90s.

The reason why Bangladesh gets lots of hosting rights of the Asia Cup due to BCCI request .

:kp
 
Slim said:
BCCI is the host, they play or not play. Thats of zero concern to me. I would rather they not play us. I would be happy if we never see India Pakistan match ever again and im glad if its the Indians gifting two points to us. I dont want to play with a country that sponsors terrorists in Pakistan and attacked civilians and killed women and children in their recent embarrassing operation. Good riddance.
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You was the same person who keep repeating same line prior to champion trophy - Sarrr Pakistan will never ever going to accept the hybrid model and india will travel to Play the champion trophy. At the end Pakistan accept the hybrid model, india smashed them on the ground and knockout within four days of starting of the tournament ( Just like May 2025) and further humiliated by snatching the hosting of final from Pakistan by winning the champion trophy with ease. :shh:kp
 
There is still some hope among the Indian population that the government puts a stop to this and the noise is only getting louder.

This might get ugly, no way does the GOI or BCCI take this sort of backlash for a cricket tournament which isn’t even under the banner of ICC to begin with.

Nightmare for broadcasters this situation.
 
Hitman said:
BCCI is getting a phainta on X by Indian posters.
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More than BCCI it's BJP government, Without GOI permission, BCCI can't host the Asia Cup involving Pakistan .

I'm not sure why people's don't want to name BJP government who is biggest culprit here

:kp
 
So schedule is also out... All that HOOOHAAA from india is buried. BCCI should try and do their usual shenanigans to somehow sabotage the event becuase they will have to face Pakistan on 14 once again after all the drama they created on media.
 
I heard a single India-Pak group match can bring in $20-30 million USD. They will hit the lottery if they get three including a final, which will likely rake in even more.

That's potentially $100 million in revenue for three matches.

The broadcaster will be praying it goes ahead without a last-minute reversal.
 
kingusama92 said:
I heard a single India-Pak group match can bring in $20-30 million USD. They will hit the lottery if they get three including a final, which will likely rake in even more.

That's potentially $100 million in revenue for three matches.

The broadcaster will be praying it goes ahead without a last-minute reversal.
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Hopefully India will get eliminated in group stage or Super 4. :inti

Cricket has turned into a casino filled with greed (thanks to BCCICC).

These groupings should have random draws. Why do they put BD-SL in same group and Ind-Pak in same group always? No other sport has such nonsense.
 
sweep_shot said:
Hopefully India will get eliminated in group stage or Super 4. :inti

Cricket has turned into a casino filled with greed (thanks to BCCICC).

These groupings should have random draws. Why do they put BD-SL in same group and Ind-Pak in same group always? No other sport has such nonsense.
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No doubt.

That reserve day for India vs Pakistan in 2023 was the biggest display of greed. Made a joke out of the tournament's neutrality for a few bucks.
 
kingusama92 said:
No doubt.

That reserve day for India vs Pakistan in 2023 was the biggest display of greed. Made a joke out of the tournament's neutrality for a few bucks.
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Yup. It was disrespectful toward other teams. It became a farce.

Then again, 2024 World T20 and 2025 CT were farcical too. Anything India touch turns into a farce. :inti

Asia Cup used to be a beautiful tournament. I remember Asia Cup classics like 1997 Asia Cup, 2000 Asia Cup, 2008 Asia Cup etc.

India ruined this tournament.
 
kingusama92 said:
No doubt.

That reserve day for India vs Pakistan in 2023 was the biggest display of greed. Made a joke out of the tournament's neutrality for a few bucks.
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Tbf, all the boards wanted that extra day for that clash. Even PCB readily agreed to it.

The reality is that Sony has paid $170 million for Asia Cup rights until 2031.

They will do the same for this tournament as well. IND v PAK is the cash cow of the Asis Cup and even the other boards , no matter what they say publicly, won't be happy if it wasn't completed.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Tbf, all the boards wanted that extra day for that clash. Even PCB readily agreed to it.

The reality is that Sony has paid $170 million for Asia Cup rights until 2031.

They will do the same for this tournament as well. IND v PAK is the cash cow of the Asis Cup and even the other boards , no matter what they say publicly, won't be happy if it wasn't completed.
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That's paindoo thinking.

I miss pre-BCCI days when everything was done in a classy manner. Tournaments used to feel like tournaments. Not anymore.

#MakeCricketGreatAgain
 
Vikram1989 said:
But pcb requested it as the first one was a wash out
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Yes people's forget that , Pakistan was the host so they needed the money from India - Pakistan clash.They requested for Reserved day and hoping for india - Pakistan match thrice in that Asia cup . pakistan team is so pathetic that they knockout from Super -4 stages after humiliating losses Against India and lanka and finished bottom of the table

:kp
 
kingusama92 said:
I heard a single India-Pak group match can bring in $20-30 million USD. They will hit the lottery if they get three including a final, which will likely rake in even more.

That's potentially $100 million in revenue for three matches.

The broadcaster will be praying it goes ahead without a last-minute reversal.
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And that's only on the surface. The amount of black money they make underneath is many X that.
 
Devadwal said:
More than BCCI it's BJP government, Without GOI permission, BCCI can't host the Asia Cup involving Pakistan .

I'm not sure why people's don't want to name BJP government who is biggest culprit here

:kp
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Government has yet to give it's decision. But as of now they haven't given the green signal.
 
Devadwal said:
Yes people's forget that , Pakistan was the host so they needed the money from India - Pakistan clash.They requested for Reserved day and hoping for india - Pakistan match thrice in that Asia cup . pakistan team is so pathetic that they knockout from Super -4 stages after humiliating losses Against India and lanka and finished bottom of the table

:kp
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As soon as the naseem shah, Harris ruaf injured on additional day, pcb and its chairman went in to silent mode on it.In cricinfo , there was an article on it.
 
Hitman said:
Government has yet to give it's decision. But as of now they haven't given the green signal.
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I don't think without government of India permission,BCCI approved the Asia Cup schedules that too hosted by BCCI.


:kp
 
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Wasim Ghulam said:
Trust me i thought BCCI would say NO this time.. but they threw toilet water on Average Indian sentiment 😂 now people like @Rajdeep hope GOI will step in to Stop it
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sweep_shot said:
Yup. It was disrespectful toward other teams. It became a farce.

Then again, 2024 World T20 and 2025 CT were farcical too. Anything India touch turns into a farce. :inti

Asia Cup used to be a beautiful tournament. I remember Asia Cup classics like 1997 Asia Cup, 2000 Asia Cup, 2008 Asia Cup etc.

India ruined this tournament.
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Indian posters: We will boycott everything Pakistani realted including cricket games.

To show our boycott to all things Pakistani we will comment on a Pakistani forumn reminding people we are boycotting you.

Asia cup 2025 announced.

Indian posters: We will boycott the asia cup by playing against Pakistan as it shows how much we can boycott the word boycott.
 
sweep_shot said:
Hopefully India will get eliminated in group stage or Super 4. :inti

Cricket has turned into a casino filled with greed (thanks to BCCICC).

These groupings should have random draws. Why do they put BD-SL in same group and Ind-Pak in same group always? No other sport has such nonsense.
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Because Ind-Pak is secondary. Naagin rivalry is the main usp of Asia cup

:cobra :yuvi
 
sweep_shot said:
That's paindoo thinking.

I miss pre-BCCI days when everything was done in a classy manner. Tournaments used to feel like tournaments. Not anymore.

#MakeCricketGreatAgain
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Your opinion means jack. Neither do you wanting something silly and irrational holds any merit. What matters is what the players and cricket boards want. And they are extremly happy with the BCCI because of the monetary benefit. You are an average fan who has no stake in the game. It's the players and the cricket boards who have a stake in the game, and they immensely benefit from the BCCI. And that's the reason they have no issues with the BCCI, apart from the PCB.

You might as well find some 🐒's who miss the 70's and the 80's days of cricket because of nostalgia because they have no stakes in the game.

Ask any non Pakistani cricketer and any board apart from PCB whether they would want the pre BCCI days back.​
 
Hitman said:


Ask any non Pakistani cricketer and any board apart from PCB whether they would want the pre BCCI days back.​
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He should ask any ex cricketer who is working as medical rep, carpenter, driving bus , taxis etc in nz/aus.They will show him his place.
 
mominsaigol said:
Indian posters: We will boycott everything Pakistani realted including cricket games.

To show our boycott to all things Pakistani we will comment on a Pakistani forumn reminding people we are boycotting you.

Asia cup 2025 announced.

Indian posters: We will boycott the asia cup by playing against Pakistan as it shows how much we can boycott the word boycott.
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LOL! True.

They want to boycott Pakistan while announcing it on a Pakistani forum. LMAO!

These people clearly have mental health issues.

:qdkcheeky
 
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is actually a very important game for Sri Lanka. Last time Sri Lanka beat BD by 2 wickets. They later went on to win the tournament in 2022. BD T20 team has changed dramatically since then. Let's see what these guys do this time.

Asia cup is an enjoyable tournament if hosted in Dubai.
 
BDfanforever said:
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is actually a very important game for Sri Lanka. Last time Sri Lanka beat BD by 2 wickets. They later went on to win the tournament in 2022. BD T20 team has changed dramatically since then. Let's see what these guys do this time.

Asia cup is an enjoyable tournament if hosted in Dubai.
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Question is why do they put BD-SL and Ind-Pak every single time? These selections should happen randomly like it happens in other sports.

Does FIFA or COPA put Argentina-Brazil every time? The answer is no. They are not stupid like BCCICC.
 
sweep_shot said:
Question is why do they put BD-SL and Ind-Pak every single time? These selections should happen randomly like it happens in other sports.

Does FIFA or COPA put Argentina-Brazil every time? The answer is no. They are not stupid like BCCICC.
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Yeah, especially when the Super 4 game between the two is the one that matters. They should have just gone with 6 teams only starting with Super 6 followed by Semi, Final format.
 
BDfanforever said:
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is actually a very important game for Sri Lanka. Last time Sri Lanka beat BD by 2 wickets. They later went on to win the tournament in 2022. BD T20 team has changed dramatically since then. Let's see what these guys do this time.

Asia cup is an enjoyable tournament if hosted in Dubai.
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not sure
BD may have won against Pak at home due to unfamiliarity of Inexperienced Pakistan batting with mirpur track but tournament is in Dubai and BD lost series to UAE. Not Just a match but series
 
Rajdeep said:
Just like legends league, there will be no Asia cup game between India and Pakistan. Dont blame or act surprised later that I didnt inform you.

It is impossible to play any cricket under such circumstance. If BCCI still goes onto play, they will face massive backlash. I have not heard a single Indian thar want to play cricket or engage with Pakistan in any form.

#Boycott
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How come Indians don't boycott Pakistani forums? ROFL. It seems like there are selective boycotts going on.

:qdkcheeky
 
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Nepal should have qualified for this tournament in place of garbage teams like Hong Kong & Oman.
 
BDfanforever said:
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is actually a very important game for Sri Lanka. Last time Sri Lanka beat BD by 2 wickets. They later went on to win the tournament in 2022. BD T20 team has changed dramatically since then. Let's see what these guys do this time.

Asia cup is an enjoyable tournament if hosted in Dubai.
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Your guys have got the confidence now that you have beaten Sri Lanka & Pakistan back to back.

But a tough group awaits Bangladesh in 1st round.
 
Devadwal said:
1,106 days since Pakistan beat last time india in T20 cricket ,

2,960 days since Pakistan beat India in ODI cricket .

:kp
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The matches played are of T20 format. In UAE, winning the match is lottery. Win the toss and bat second for winning the match. I don't remember when India won the toss last.
 
sweep_shot said:
Question is why do they put BD-SL and Ind-Pak every single time? These selections should happen randomly like it happens in other sports.

Does FIFA or COPA put Argentina-Brazil every time? The answer is no. They are not stupid like BCCICC.
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Yes cricket is equivalent to football and Asia cup committee is comparable to FIFA/COPA 🤡

I hate it when people very well knows the reason but still acts innocent.

The only reason Asia cup exists so that India and Pakistan can play against each other. The organizing commitee will hit a jackpot if both the team reach final and get to clash thrice. This plan failed in last 4 Asia cups as Pakistan team is rubbish but this is the main reason why Ind & Pak are put in same group.

There are always side actors and clowns in a theatre. So the side act is naagin rivalry and reason why BD and SL put in the same group.

Hopefully after this clarification from Rajdeep, you will not ask this same old boring question again in future.

:kp
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Check the spoiler thread bro :cry:
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That does not answer my question. I just need an answer to post #62. You said you were worried about India yesterday and I know why. Now I am saying you, I dont know why. So please can you elaborate?

Btw, how many days Bhaag Viru is planning to stay busy? Any idea?

#HaiHimmat

:kp :sree
 
Rajdeep said:
That does not answer my question. I just need an answer to post #62. You said you were worried about India yesterday and I know why. Now I am saying you, I dont know why. So please can you elaborate?

Btw, how many days Bhaag Viru is planning to stay busy? Any idea?

#HaiHimmat

:kp :sree
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@Bhaag Viru Bhaag @DeadlyVenom plz use your contacts in UK to reach out to Tesco and help us save a friend.

R

Post in thread 'Spoiler Alert 2.0: India will fail to win the upcoming Test series in England despite its young guns-dominated strong squad'

Haha...nice thread.

But wonder why my thread, where I put my neck out saying India will win this test series because -

A) England bowling attack is very weak

B) Indian team is gun with all deadwoods like Kohli, Rohit, Pu-Rane etc dropped

C) Team is filled with young performers and potential future stars

Got merged with main India tour of England thread.

:kp
  • Haha
  • Wow

R

Post in thread 'Spoiler Alert 2.0: India will fail to win the upcoming Test series in England despite its young guns-dominated strong squad'

The Bald Eagle said:
I am truly not aware of it...but plz correct if I get it wrong are you putting your neck on line for India's triumph in upcoming series.
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Yes you are correct. Rajdeep guarantees Indian team win. Mark my words

Tagging @mominsaigol also to hype it up a bit more.

:kp
  • Wow
R

Post in thread 'Spoiler Alert 2.0: India will fail to win the upcoming Test series in England despite its young guns-dominated strong squad'

shamaan said:
You ain't winning this series.
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And who will get Ind batters out? Carse, Sam Cook and Shoaib Bashir? :rp

Oh man....my home team England will lose very badly. 4-1 to India.
#SayNoToGuillotine #BritishRajNoMoreLagaanPlz :kp
 
So are Ind playing PK or not? Lots of different stories and after the cancellation of the Budha players match, this story seams unlikely. If it turns out to be true then where does that leave the likes @Rajdeep
 
Rajdeep said:
Yes cricket is equivalent to football and Asia cup committee is comparable to FIFA/COPA 🤡

I hate it when people very well knows the reason but still acts innocent.

The only reason Asia cup exists so that India and Pakistan can play against each other. The organizing commitee will hit a jackpot if both the team reach final and get to clash thrice. This plan failed in last 4 Asia cups as Pakistan team is rubbish but this is the main reason why Ind & Pak are put in same group.

There are always side actors and clowns in a theatre. So the side act is naagin rivalry and reason why BD and SL put in the same group.

Hopefully after this clarification from Rajdeep, you will not ask this same old boring question again in future.

:kp
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Pakistan played the final of the Asia Cup 2022, India got knocked out in rather humiliating fashion.

With India’s might and how much you guys love to talk, India should have been dominating the last ten years in every format.
 
Bewal Express said:
So are Ind playing PK or not? Lots of different stories and after the cancellation of the Budha players match, this story seams unlikely. If it turns out to be true then where does that leave the likes @Rajdeep
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No game with Pak will happen anytime in near future and thats the bottomline as Rajdeep said so. However, BCCI/ACC should announce it now. Pulling out on match day will be unfair on both teams.

:kp
 
Usman Chadda said:
Pakistan played the final of the Asia Cup 2022, India got knocked out in rather humiliating fashion.

With India’s might and how much you guys love to talk, India should have been dominating the last ten years in every format.
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Okay yes...you are right. It missed my mind...so I stand corrected
 
Rajdeep said:
No game with Pak will happen anytime in near future and thats the bottomline as Rajdeep said so. However, BCCI/ACC should announce it now. Pulling out on match day will be unfair on both teams.

:kp
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What if it does? Where will that leave you with the party line? Personally I have no desire to play Ind, a country that is so hateful and killed innocent people in PK to make their fascist look good
 
btw @The Bald Eagle @Rajdeep is fair on his stance with Paksitan, I respect it.
We can't expect Indians to agree with us in everything. All we we can hope for is some consistency. He wants total boycott of Pakistan, that's his right and I disagree but at least he is consistent.

But let me tell you if Asia cup match happens me and Bhai will link arms and unite and both swear at hypocrite Modi and take revenge for Pakistani Keema Munching Harbajan. You have our guarantee of that. We will not spare India selling itself for money.
 
The Bald Eagle said:
No pal, I am much worried about tomorrow instead and you know why.... Stay safe bro :kp
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What was happened yesterday? You was worried about England bowlers surrender infront of Indian allrounders that's why Stokes asked for hand Shake but refused by Indian captain and player's 🤣 :kp
 
Hahah...read post 122, sorry again Raj 😔
Devadwal said:
What was happened yesterday? You was worried about England bowlers surrender infront of Indian allrounders that's why Stokes asked for hand Shake but refused by Indian captain and player's 🤣 :kp
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mominsaigol said:
Indian posters: We will boycott everything Pakistani realted including cricket games.

To show our boycott to all things Pakistani we will comment on a Pakistani forumn reminding people we are boycotting you.

Asia cup 2025 announced.

Indian posters: We will boycott the asia cup by playing against Pakistan as it shows how much we can boycott the word boycott.
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One can only laugh at their logic
 
DeadlyVenom said:
btw @The Bald Eagle @Rajdeep is fair on his stance with Paksitan, I respect it.
We can't expect Indians to agree with us in everything. All we we can hope for is some consistency. He wants total boycott of Pakistan, that's his right and I disagree but at least he is consistent.

But let me tell you if Asia cup match happens me and Bhai will link arms and unite and both swear at hypocrite Modi and take revenge for Pakistani Keema Munching Harbajan. You have our guarantee of that. We will not spare India selling itself for money.
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I join your arms too brother, count me in. The new trio against hypocrites
 
Naqvi sab has down a fantastic job with the scheduling and arrangements for this Asia Cup. The announcement on X came at an unprecedented and uncertain times for this whole region

I hope and pray that the Asia Cup under his leadership happens as good as Champions Trophy did
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Hahah...read post 122, sorry again Raj 😔
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Sometimes its better to accept when got owned rather than writing meaningless stuff. Lets be honest, you expected India to bottle it on final day but it didnt go according to plan. So why not be humble, give credit to India, accept that you are proven wrong and move on.

:kp
 
Once again, Pakistan and India are in the same group. How pathetic is that? Aren't the groups in tournaments meant to be random? Then how come Pakistan and our enemies are always in the same group? BCCI and the corrupt ICC don't even try to hide their corruption.
 
Will be the true test of PAK T20 side under Hesson. He'll come under severe pressure if they dont make the finals of this one.
 
The_KING said:
Once again, Pakistan and India are in the same group. How pathetic is that? Aren't the groups in tournaments meant to be random? Then how come Pakistan and our enemies are always in the same group? BCCI and the corrupt ICC don't even try to hide their corruption.
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Who is ACC chairman? Who needs the money from Asia cup as BCCI don't take share of profit from Asia cup. :kp
 
The govt is getting slammed in the parliament for allowing BCCI to proceed with the matches against Pakistan. Eventually the govt will succumb to opposition’s pressure to make BCCI pull India out of the Asia Cup. Asia Cup isn’t a huge tournament for India. There’s nothing to prove. It’s a tournament India’s won the most no of times. Let’s just pull out from it this time and let others play.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Will be the true test of PAK T20 side under Hesson. He'll come under severe pressure if they dont make the finals of this one.
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Nope, we are one of the worst T20 sides right now. There is literally no pressure this time around, compared to the last Asia Cup where we were outright one of the favorites along with India.
 
Usman Chadda said:
Nope, we are one of the worst T20 sides right now. There is literally no pressure this time around, compared to the last Asia Cup where we were outright one of the favorites along with India.
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You mean Hesson will be given a free pass if the side doesn't make the finals?
 
Nikhil_cric said:
You mean Hesson will be given a free pass if the side doesn't make the finals?
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There will be criticism based on how many times we end up five down for less than 20, but I don't think any Pakistan fan is under any illusions at the moment.
 
Bhaijaan said:
The govt is getting slammed in the parliament for allowing BCCI to proceed with the matches against Pakistan. Eventually the govt will succumb to opposition’s pressure to make BCCI pull India out of the Asia Cup. Asia Cup isn’t a huge tournament for India. There’s nothing to prove. It’s a tournament India’s won the most no of times. Let’s just pull out from it this time and let others play.
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Yes Owaisi is cornering govt

 
Bhaijaan said:
The govt is getting slammed in the parliament for allowing BCCI to proceed with the matches against Pakistan. Eventually the govt will succumb to opposition’s pressure to make BCCI pull India out of the Asia Cup. Asia Cup isn’t a huge tournament for India. There’s nothing to prove. It’s a tournament India’s won the most no of times. Let’s just pull out from it this time and let others play.
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Why does it matter that the Asia Cup is not considered a big tournament by some? Why does it matter that India has nothing to prove in this context? Why does it matter that India has won the Cup many times before? Should the value of seeking revenge against the Pahalgam attackers be measured by the importance of a tournament? It seems quite petty to me.
 
gazza619 said:
Why does it matter that the Asia Cup is not considered a big tournament by some? Why does it matter that India has nothing to prove in this context? Why does it matter that India has won the Cup many times before? Should the value of seeking revenge against the Pahalgam attackers be measured by the importance of a tournament? It seems quite petty to me.
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It’s not that.
Playing cricket against Pakistan right now must be out of question anywhere in any tournament. You know the reason so there’s no need to mention the same story.

But we will have to see how we manage it. Whether to just refuse to play Pakistan or boycott the entire tournament. That we can decide based on value.

Asia Cup right now isn’t a prestigious event. India’s the dominant power with most trophies and there’s nothing for India to gain or prove by winning another of those. This is a tournament India can simply pull out of.

ICC events we need not pull out of. Just refuse to play Pakistan and ensure no walk overs are awarded to Pakistan in group matches. If ICC can fix group stage fixtures it can also fix SFs to ensure India and Pakistan don’t play. If both teams reach final, refuse and share the trophy. The tournament ends the moment semi finals are over. The final wouldn’t happen.

I hope the two nations are able to improve relations in the future and if they do we will welcome cricket matches. Until then, no cricket.
 
Sports cannot and should not be dictated by politics. By that logic, IND should not tour England as they were once their colonist. Also the talk about not playing Pak is nonsense. IND-Pak match up sells, I even see Bollywood actors in the stands.
 
BDfanforever said:
Sports cannot and should not be dictated by politics. By that logic, IND should not tour England as they were once their colonist. Also the talk about not playing Pak is nonsense. IND-Pak match up sells, I even see Bollywood actors in the stands.
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I will be honest with you, most Indians don't care about India-Pakistan anymore, it's India-Australia for them including me.
 

Bangladesh Name Julian Wood as Power-Hitting Coach for Asia Cup 2025​


Noted power-hitting coach Julian Wood will arrive in Bangladesh in August. The move within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) precedes the Asia Cup, to be held next September later this year. Wood is set to join the setup for three weeks, where he is expected to enhance the range of shots of the team's batters.

 
www.dawn.com

Broadcaster’s exorbitant demand may jeopardise Asia Cup

Demands that Pakistan broadcasters pay 25pc of total broadcasting rights value.
www.dawn.com

LAHORE: This year’s Asia Cup which among other nations will feature defending champions India and Pakistan, the two major cricketing giants of the continent, is facing a fresh challenge — this time from the broadcaster, Dawn has learnt.

A highly exorbitant rate set for Pakistan’s region by official broadcaster of the Asia Cup based in India plus the uncertainty prevailing over the pinnacle clash of the event between Pakistan and India, the chances are bleak that any sports channel in Pakistan could buy the broadcasting rights for the continental showpiece.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from Sept 9 to 28 at its new venue — the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — where it was shifted from original hosts India, due to Pakistan-India political tensions and also due to strains between India and Bangladesh.

According to well-informed sources, Asia Cup’s official broadcaster has set significantly higher rate for Pakistan’s region. It is learnt that the broadcaster, having secured Pan-Asia broadcast rights in a $170 million deal valid until 2031, is now demanding that Pakistan broadcasters pay a staggering 25% of the total broadcasting rights value whereas the country has been contributing no more than 10% of the event’s regional broadcast worth.

“A 10 to 12 per cent value rate for Pakistan’s region is decided in the books of the ICC and the ACC but the Indian broadcaster is demanding a very high rate from Pakistan’s sports channels that are interested in covering live matches.

“It ultimately may force all Pakistan-based channels, either to make a joint consortium to buy the rights or to quit the race altogether,” one of the officials closed to the situation told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

“They [Indian broadcasters] are over-leveraged and gambling with market stability. If this backfires, the repercussions could destabilize the entire ecosystem,” the official added.

He continued: “The consortium [of Pakistan sports channels] may agree to pay higher rate but there is no clarity if an Indo-Pak match will be played [during the Asia Cup].”

With television advertising revenue in Pakistan down more than 22% year-on-year, and corporate sponsorship budgets in freefall, these inflated demands from the (Asia Cup) broadcaster appear not only unrealistic, but dangerously detached from commercial reality, sources are claiming.

Another point of worry for Pakistan sports channels has also increased to manifold as the Indian broadcasters had sold out the Asia Cup digital rights to a Pakistan-based consortium for approximately $4.3 million.

In case India and Pakistan reach the Asia Cup final, they will have played three matches against each other in the event — a big deal for broadcasters.

“[The] Indian cricketers are facing pressure from their fans at home creating a situation which may compel India’s top players to refuse to play the Asia Cup or even the BCCI to quit as hosts,” the source added.

“In such a negative situation prevailing [currently] while time is running short to meet the Indian broadcasters’ demand, it does not seem possible for a single sports channel in Pakistan to strike the [broadcasting] deal on these [higher] rates.

“While the negotiations are on with the Asia Cup’s official broadcaster, it is not ready to demand less from Pakistan’s region even in case there is no Pakistan-India clash in the continental event,” the source revealed.

In the past, when a Pakistan-India bilateral series was part of ICC’s decided schedule of activities the PCB had to sign a deal with broadcasters for the entire calendar for two different likely scenarios — first if India-Pakistan play in a bilateral series and second if they do not face each other.

Also a Pakistan Television (PTV) official, on the condition of anonymity, told Dawn that uncertainty was prevailing for Pakistan over the Asia Cup broadcasting rights.

“In negotiations with the official broadcasters, we are trying to resolve the matter to ensure Pakistan fans watch live matches of the Asia Cup. However, the situation is tricky and no one can say what will happen in the end,” the PTV official said.

PAKISTAN TEAM’S FEEBLE SHOW

Moreover, another source said that Pakistan’s sports channels are also concerned about the national team’s below-par performance in international events during the past two years.

“The factor of Pakistan team’s poor performance is also having impact on the market rate of TV commercials,” the source said.

“When your team look strong contenders, the enthusiasm of fans is always high that also attracts commercial market to invest. But ironically this is not the situation [currently] and Pakistan are facing one defeat after the other; they could not excel even in the [2025] Champions Trophy as hosts.”

Pakistan’s 2-1 T20 series loss in Bangladesh last month has further dented the team’s market price that could be further damaged if the Green-shirts lose the T20 series in West Indies, starting on Friday (in Pakistan wee hours).

“In the home leg [June 2025], most local broadcasters participated and saw modest returns. But come July, for the away matches in Bangladesh, only PTV Sports [channel] stepped in to secure exclusive rights. It proved to be a pyrrhic victory — revenues nosedived by nearly 50%, and with Pakistan losing the series, fan engagement cratered,” another official of a sports TV channel told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

“Despite these warning signs, PTV has doubled down. In a bold — and some say baffling — move, the state broadcaster has tabled a hefty bid for non-exclusive rights to the upcoming Pakistan vs West Indies series in August. The series is scheduled for early mornings, traditionally a commercial dead zone. A couple of other major TV channels have quietly exited the race, citing poor return on investment,” he further said.

Other sources watching the situation closely said that there were still chances that the BCCI will bow to pressure of the hostile Indian public – which campaigned even against the online participation of its officials in the Asian Cricket Council’s annual general meeting held in Bangladesh on July 24.

Due to that campaign, the Indian team also refused to play the semi-final against Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The same pressure from Indian public may force the BCCI to leave the Asia Cup hosting rights and ask the ACC to give the event to any other member, and also withdraw their team from the event.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also the incumbent head of the ACC. Though Mohsin is getting the credit of holding successfully the recent ACC meeting in Dhaka, he may now face a significant challenge of holding the Asia Cup successfully.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2025
 
SportsWarrior said:
www.dawn.com

Broadcaster’s exorbitant demand may jeopardise Asia Cup

Demands that Pakistan broadcasters pay 25pc of total broadcasting rights value.
www.dawn.com

LAHORE: This year’s Asia Cup which among other nations will feature defending champions India and Pakistan, the two major cricketing giants of the continent, is facing a fresh challenge — this time from the broadcaster, Dawn has learnt.

A highly exorbitant rate set for Pakistan’s region by official broadcaster of the Asia Cup based in India plus the uncertainty prevailing over the pinnacle clash of the event between Pakistan and India, the chances are bleak that any sports channel in Pakistan could buy the broadcasting rights for the continental showpiece.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from Sept 9 to 28 at its new venue — the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — where it was shifted from original hosts India, due to Pakistan-India political tensions and also due to strains between India and Bangladesh.

According to well-informed sources, Asia Cup’s official broadcaster has set significantly higher rate for Pakistan’s region. It is learnt that the broadcaster, having secured Pan-Asia broadcast rights in a $170 million deal valid until 2031, is now demanding that Pakistan broadcasters pay a staggering 25% of the total broadcasting rights value whereas the country has been contributing no more than 10% of the event’s regional broadcast worth.

“A 10 to 12 per cent value rate for Pakistan’s region is decided in the books of the ICC and the ACC but the Indian broadcaster is demanding a very high rate from Pakistan’s sports channels that are interested in covering live matches.

“It ultimately may force all Pakistan-based channels, either to make a joint consortium to buy the rights or to quit the race altogether,” one of the officials closed to the situation told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

“They [Indian broadcasters] are over-leveraged and gambling with market stability. If this backfires, the repercussions could destabilize the entire ecosystem,” the official added.

He continued: “The consortium [of Pakistan sports channels] may agree to pay higher rate but there is no clarity if an Indo-Pak match will be played [during the Asia Cup].”

With television advertising revenue in Pakistan down more than 22% year-on-year, and corporate sponsorship budgets in freefall, these inflated demands from the (Asia Cup) broadcaster appear not only unrealistic, but dangerously detached from commercial reality, sources are claiming.

Another point of worry for Pakistan sports channels has also increased to manifold as the Indian broadcasters had sold out the Asia Cup digital rights to a Pakistan-based consortium for approximately $4.3 million.

In case India and Pakistan reach the Asia Cup final, they will have played three matches against each other in the event — a big deal for broadcasters.

“[The] Indian cricketers are facing pressure from their fans at home creating a situation which may compel India’s top players to refuse to play the Asia Cup or even the BCCI to quit as hosts,” the source added.

“In such a negative situation prevailing [currently] while time is running short to meet the Indian broadcasters’ demand, it does not seem possible for a single sports channel in Pakistan to strike the [broadcasting] deal on these [higher] rates.

“While the negotiations are on with the Asia Cup’s official broadcaster, it is not ready to demand less from Pakistan’s region even in case there is no Pakistan-India clash in the continental event,” the source revealed.

In the past, when a Pakistan-India bilateral series was part of ICC’s decided schedule of activities the PCB had to sign a deal with broadcasters for the entire calendar for two different likely scenarios — first if India-Pakistan play in a bilateral series and second if they do not face each other.

Also a Pakistan Television (PTV) official, on the condition of anonymity, told Dawn that uncertainty was prevailing for Pakistan over the Asia Cup broadcasting rights.

“In negotiations with the official broadcasters, we are trying to resolve the matter to ensure Pakistan fans watch live matches of the Asia Cup. However, the situation is tricky and no one can say what will happen in the end,” the PTV official said.

PAKISTAN TEAM’S FEEBLE SHOW

Moreover, another source said that Pakistan’s sports channels are also concerned about the national team’s below-par performance in international events during the past two years.

“The factor of Pakistan team’s poor performance is also having impact on the market rate of TV commercials,” the source said.

“When your team look strong contenders, the enthusiasm of fans is always high that also attracts commercial market to invest. But ironically this is not the situation [currently] and Pakistan are facing one defeat after the other; they could not excel even in the [2025] Champions Trophy as hosts.”

Pakistan’s 2-1 T20 series loss in Bangladesh last month has further dented the team’s market price that could be further damaged if the Green-shirts lose the T20 series in West Indies, starting on Friday (in Pakistan wee hours).

“In the home leg [June 2025], most local broadcasters participated and saw modest returns. But come July, for the away matches in Bangladesh, only PTV Sports [channel] stepped in to secure exclusive rights. It proved to be a pyrrhic victory — revenues nosedived by nearly 50%, and with Pakistan losing the series, fan engagement cratered,” another official of a sports TV channel told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

“Despite these warning signs, PTV has doubled down. In a bold — and some say baffling — move, the state broadcaster has tabled a hefty bid for non-exclusive rights to the upcoming Pakistan vs West Indies series in August. The series is scheduled for early mornings, traditionally a commercial dead zone. A couple of other major TV channels have quietly exited the race, citing poor return on investment,” he further said.

Other sources watching the situation closely said that there were still chances that the BCCI will bow to pressure of the hostile Indian public – which campaigned even against the online participation of its officials in the Asian Cricket Council’s annual general meeting held in Bangladesh on July 24.

Due to that campaign, the Indian team also refused to play the semi-final against Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The same pressure from Indian public may force the BCCI to leave the Asia Cup hosting rights and ask the ACC to give the event to any other member, and also withdraw their team from the event.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also the incumbent head of the ACC. Though Mohsin is getting the credit of holding successfully the recent ACC meeting in Dhaka, he may now face a significant challenge of holding the Asia Cup successfully.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2025
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