The ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from September 12 to 28, with India, the designated host, likely to share hosting responsibilities with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to the media reports, the UAE and Sri Lanka emerged as front-runners to co-host the event. However, it now appears that the UAE has been finalised as the neutral venue, likely to accommodate any fixture involving Pakistan.

This follows a precedent set during past events, such as the Champions Trophy 2025, where India's matches were played in Dubai when Pakistan was the host.

Earlier in May, rumours surfaced that India might skip the Asia Cup 2025, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly denied such claims.

More recently, a promotional poster for the tournament featuring only India and Sri Lanka began circulating on social media, raising eyebrows over the absence of Pakistan and fueling speculations about their participation, particularly due to the strained political ties between the two neighbouring nations.

Given the agreement reached between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last year — which limits their bilateral encounters to only neutral ICC or ACC tournaments — it is clear that a potential India vs Pakistan clash will not be played on Indian soil.

Despite the logistical clarity, the biggest question remains India's confirmed participation.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia recently dismissed reports of India boycotting the event, reaffirming that the board is awaiting a nod from the Indian government regarding their participation.

"There is no discussion or even a remote thought about boycotting matches. We play Pakistan in the ICC events and it will go on if our government doesn't say otherwise. As for the Asia Cup, we will know in the coming days," a BCCI official said.

Interestingly, neither the BCCI nor the PCB objected when the International Cricket Council (ICC) grouped India and Pakistan together for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup 2025, signalling a possible thaw in cricketing relations.

Both boards are believed to be cautious about the potential repercussions of a boycott, as it could affect their standing and participation in future ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

Improved Nafay

Pakistan's emerging wicketkeeper-batter, Khawaja Nafay, shared valuable insights shedding light on his evolving training regime, focus areas, and the inspirational advice he received from cricketing greats.

During a media interaction at the ongoing Skills Development Camp, Nafay expressed his satisfaction with the camp's impact, noting significant improvement in both his skills and mindset.

"The skills camp has brought significant improvement. I'm working on power-hitting with Abdul Razzaq and also practicing extensively against spinners. We face around 800 balls a day, playing them quickly; it also strengthens our muscles. This practice will benefit us in the future," Nafay said.

He reflected on a valuable interaction during the skills development camp, highlighting the inspiring advice he received from a cricket legend.

"I got the opportunity to learn from Vivian Richards; he told me that if I play with self-belief, nothing will ever be difficult. Vivian Richards shared that he also played the most challenging shots with confidence in himself," he stated.

Looking ahead, the young cricketer is determined to continue the same level of dedication beyond the camp.

"I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he said.

The middle-order batter concluded by highlighting his commitment to becoming a multi-dimensional player.

"I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that the 23-year-old has significant experience in domestic T20 cricket, particularly in major franchise leagues.

The right-handed batter has represented Quetta Gladiators in two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), playing 12 matches and scoring 234 runs at a strike rate of 130.00, including two fifties.