In a significant development ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not participate in the tournament. The Asia Cup, scheduled to begin on September 10 in the UAE, will feature six teams, including India and Pakistan.
The tournament will follow the T20 format, with the official schedule expected from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in early July. The decision to exclude Kohli and Sharma comes amid ongoing political tensions and security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. These issues have raised questions about the tournament’s venue, which is likely to be a neutral site.
Both Kohli and Sharma had retired from T20 Internationals after their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. India’s participation in the Asia Cup is still pending final government approval.
With the tournament scheduled soon, cricket fans and stakeholders await further announcements, hoping for a smooth and safe competition. The political tensions surrounding the event underscore the delicate balance between sports and diplomacy in the region.
Key Points:
- Asia Cup 2025 to start on September 10 in the UAE.
- Six teams will participate, including India and Pakistan.
- India’s top players, Kohli and Sharma, will miss the tournament.
- Decision influenced by security concerns and political tensions.
- The venue is likely a neutral location due to the sensitive situation.
- Final approval for India’s participation is awaited from the government.
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