KARACHI: Despite mounting pressure from Indian media and some former cricketers, India will face Pakistan as scheduled in the Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28.
According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already given its formal approval to participate in the tournament including matches against Pakistan during a recent Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting held in Dhaka. With this green light, officials state that India can no longer withdraw from either the tournament or the high-profile clash against Pakistan.
The Asia Cup 2025 fixture list, announced just a day earlier, reveals that India and Pakistan will first meet in a group-stage match on September 14. Depending on results, the arch-rivals could face off up to three times during the tournament.
However, the decision has not gone down well with some segments of the Indian media, who have called on the BCCI and the Indian government to reconsider playing Pakistan – echoing similar calls made during past international events such as the World Champions League. Several former Indian cricketers have also publicly criticized the decision to go ahead with the match.
Despite this backlash, the BCCI has made no official comment since the schedule was released. Insiders indicate that all decisions were finalized after thorough deliberations at the official level, leaving no room for a last-minute change.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, anticipation for a classic India-Pakistan showdown continues to build on and off the field.
