Will India play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025?
India and Pakistan rivalry in the game of cricket has always been the most anticipated match of any international level tournament. With both rivals meeting again in the Asia Cup 2025 after recent geo-political tensions. Will India play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025?
Government Stance on Bilateral Series
On August 21, 2025, the Indian Sports Ministry reiterated its firm policy against bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, barring Indian teams from traveling there or hosting Pakistani teams. This decision, rooted in ongoing geopolitical tensions, continues a trend unbroken since the 2012–13 cricket season.
However, the ministry clarified that multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup, starting September 9, are exempt. This allows the Indian men’s cricket team to face Pakistan in high-stakes matches scheduled for September 14 and potentially September 21 in Dubai, with the final on September 29.
International Tournaments as Neutral Ground
The ministry’s policy permits Indian participation in international events under global governing bodies, such as the Asian Cricket Council, which organizes the Asia Cup. These tournaments, held in neutral venues like Dubai, avoid direct bilateral arrangements, maintaining a politically neutral environment.
This approach aligns with India’s history of competing against Pakistan in World Cups and Olympics. Despite calls from former cricketers to boycott the Asia Cup match following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26, the ministry confirmed India’s participation, emphasizing the importance of international sports commitments.
Asia Cup Rivalry
Both India and Pakistan are strong cricketing nations in the Asian region, while India has a superior record in the Asian tournaments compared to their noisy neighbours. This clash in the Asia Cup 2025, will be nothing short of a classic match in the history books of the game.
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