Pakistan Omitted from Asia Cup 2025 Announcement Poster

This isn’t the first time the Asia Cup has found itself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical strain.

By DTD- On Jun 26, 2025

ISLAMABAD: As cricket fans gear up for the Asia Cup 2025, a fresh wave of speculation has emerged around Pakistan’s potential absence from the tournament—not through any official statement, but through a striking omission in a promotional poster released by the event’s official broadcaster.

The poster, which is the first admission that the Asia Cup will go ahead, is not an official poster by the ACC for the tournament and was only broadcast in India. However, it features captains from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, notably excluding Salman Ali Agha. In a sport where promotional material is carefully curated for fan service, this absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. With less than three months to go before the Asia Cup, which is expected to be played in the T20 format this September, the messaging has only deepened the divide.

The tournament is likely to be hosted in India on a neutral venue due to its long-standing political tensions with Pakistan. The two-time champions’ omission from the Asia Cup poster may also be because of the latest war between the two countries, but it has gotten fans talking.

There were rumours that India would boycott the 2025 Asia Cup, but those were quickly dismissed, before Pakistan reassured that it will also play the tournament, but only at a neutral venue.

This isn’t the first time the Asia Cup has found itself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical strain. The 2023 edition had to adopt a hybrid model as well when India refused to travel to Pakistan. Matches were split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, highlighting the logistical gymnastics needed just to keep the tournament afloat.

The host of issues plaguing this year’s competition will be a real challenge for the new ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. This Asia Cup will also serve as a key tune-up ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host, making every team’s participation even more vital.