Multiple India vs Pakistan matches likely at Asia Cup 2025 with the rivals in the same group: Reports
The hostility at the border does not seem to affect the sporting ties between India and Pakistan. Just recently, the India vs Pakistan clash at the World Championship of Legends had to be canceled due to widespread criticism. However, the bigger players in the fray, the BCCI and the ACC, namely, don't seem perturbed by the public perception of India and Pakistan meeting on the cricket field after what went down between the nations earlier this year. After a series of updates, the framework for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 is beginning to solidify. Recent reports suggest that India and Pakistan are likely to be placed in the same group for the continental event.
Up to three India vs Pakistan clashes scheduled at Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 is reportedly scheduled to be held in the UAE in the September window. Meanwhile, T20 tournament could potentially feature up to three India vs Pakistan clashes. Placed in the same group, the arch-rivals will play one match in the group stage, another in the Super Four round, and possibly a third in the final, provided both teams advance that far.
This edition of the Asia Cup will feature eight participating sides and follow the T20 format, serving as an early preparation ground ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. The structure of the event guarantees at least one India vs Pakistan face-off during the group phase. Despite the situation worsening between the neighboring countries, Asia Cup 2025 is likely to continue the tradition that has been in place since bilateral series between the two nations came to a halt.
The decision regarding the Asia Cup 2025 groups comes amid ongoing friction between India and Pakistan. Just a week ago, these tensions spilled into the World Championship of Legends, when a planned match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was called off. Prominent Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, chose to withdraw from the fixture. The withdrawal of the WCL stars came following a strong public backlash over sharing the field with their former Pakistani counterparts.
This incident unfolded against a broader backdrop of rising hostility between the neighbors. The tension reached its threshold after the heinous Pahalgam terror attack in April earlier this year. India’s retaliatory strikes on terror camps across the border led to an escalation in military exchanges, heightening tensions further.
According to the same report, the ACC finalized the key aspects of the tournament during a meeting in Dhaka earlier this week. The BCCI, acting as the official host, will now take charge of confirming the detailed schedule, which is expected to be released on the ACC’s platform as early as this weekend. While logistical arrangements are still being refined, the tournament’s overall timeframe remains unchanged.
