Pak, India likely to clash on Sept 7

The Asia Cup 2025 is likely to be staged in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the tournament expected to begin around September four or five and conclude on September 21, Indian media reported on Wednesday.

According to a report, the much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is also likely to take place on September 7 in Dubai.

The 17th edition of the marquee event will be played in the T20 format and there is a strong possibility of the arch rivals facing off at least twice, once in the group stage and potentially again in the super four round.

The tournament will feature six teams including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the UAE.

It will follow the traditional group stage followed by a super four format, similar to previous editions.

An official announcement regarding the final schedule is expected in the second week of July. Meanwhile, promotional activities have already begun, with tournament teasers airing on Indian television networks and circulating widely on social media platforms.

Earlier, there were speculations that India might withdraw from the tournament due to political tensions. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissed those claims, confirming that no such decision has been made.

Indian media reports further stated that both India and Pakistan will continue to play against each other in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments, and there is no official directive from either cricket board to avoid such contests.

It is pertinent to mention that India are the defending champions, having won the previous edition played in the ODI format with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final.

Latif backs Babar for T20Is

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has endorsed the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to move on from star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the T20I format.

In a recent interview on a local YouTube platform, Latif expressed his support for allowing senior players more freedom to pursue opportunities abroad.

"They're playing in the Big Bash and will earn decent money, and I don't think they'd want to return either. That's just my opinion. The PCB should give them some liberty to explore other leagues. Otherwise, it's fine," Latif stated.

The former wicketkeeper also stressed the importance of investing in new talent.

"The new players should be given a chance — it's a great opportunity, especially with the Asia Cup and other upcoming events. It's all good; the game will keep progressing," he added.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi was selected as the first overall pick in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 Draft, held on June 19, with Brisbane Heat securing the services of the left-arm fast bowler.

The highly anticipated BBL player draft was held earlier today, with six out of the eight franchises showing interest in signing national team players.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was selected as the third platinum pick, while England's Luke Wood was picked second.

The 25-year-old Shaheen was the first overall pick in the draft, selected under the platinum category by Brisbane Heat.

Rizwan was signed by Melbourne Renegades, marking his BBL debut and adding to his experience in foreign leagues, including the BPL.

Star batter Babar Azam was pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the official draft and was set to make his BBL debut. The franchise had used its pre-signing option to secure the services of the former Pakistan captain.

For the unversed, Shaheen, Rizwan and Babar last featured in a T20I for Pakistan back in 2024 against South Africa.

They have been out of the shorter format since then and are not part of the plans for the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies, or the likely tri-nation series involving UAE and Afghanistan.