DUBAI: India will host the men’s Asia Cup in the T20 format next year, while the tournament will be played in Bangladesh in the 50-over format in 2027.
According to the Invitation for Expressions of Interest for the sponsorship rights document issued by the Asian Cricket Council, the tournament will feature a total of 13 matches featuring six teams – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and a sixth team to be decided in the qualifiers .
Although the dates are yet to be finalised, sources indicated that the tournament could be held sometime in September once the monsoon season ends in the country.
According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Program (FTP) 2023-27, India have a busy calendar next year, with a limited-overs series against England in January-February, followed by the Champions Trophy in February-March.
After the IPL ends, the team will tour England from June to August before heading to Bangladesh for three ODIs and as many T20Is. Therefore, the Asia Cup is expected to be held after the Bangladesh series and before the two-match Test series against the West Indies in October. However, sources in the BCCI clarified that no decision has yet been taken on the possible venues.
While there will be no men’s Asia Cup in 2026, the women’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format that year, followed by the men’s U-19 and Asia Cup emerging teams tournaments.
Last year, the Asia Cup was played in a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting a few matches at home, while India played all their matches in Sri Lanka. Led by Rohit Sharma, India clinched the title by defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
