DUBAI – The date for the much-anticipated clash between cricketing rivals Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2025 has officially been announced.
Despite rising tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam incident, rumors of the Asia Cup 2025 being canceled have now been put to rest. The high-voltage encounter between India and Pakistan is now officially confirmed.
According to the latest reports, the Asia Cup 2025 will go ahead as scheduled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). News agencies report that the tournament is set to begin on either September 4 or 5, with the thrilling Pakistan vs India match to be played on September 7 in Dubai.
The tournament will be played in the T20 format, featuring a group stage followed by the Super Four round. If both teams progress to the Super Four stage, they are likely to meet again on September 14, with a potential third face-off in the final on September 21.
Although India holds the hosting rights for the tournament, it has been shifted to the UAE due to political tensions and security concerns. However, India will retain the official hosting status.
An Indian broadcaster confirmed, “The tournament will take place in September, and our team will participate.”
The reports said that an Indian representative was of the view, “Regardless of strained relations, India has never refused to play Pakistan in ICC events — largely due to the highly lucrative media rights, most of which are held by Indian broadcasters,”.
The last encounter between Pakistan and India took place during the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai. Since 2008, India has refrained from touring Pakistan for various reasons and had also opted to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai.
Despite India’s rigid stance, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the Asia Cup 2025 and the prospect of seeing the two arch-rivals face off once again.
