The Asia Cup 2025 was in limbo following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s military response, which strained relations between two nations. However, the multi-nation tournament is likely to be played as planned despite tensions at the border, especially since India is the designated host.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched a military operation targeting terror camps across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Fans and former Indian cricketers urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan.
After recent tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian media reported that the Asia Cup 2025 might be cancelled. Reports stated that the BCCI was reluctant to participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), headed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
India, Pakistan Likely to Face Off in Asia Cup 2025 Despite Pahalgam Tragedy
However, the Asia Cup is likely to be played in the UAE. According to Sports Tak, the tournament is scheduled to begin on September 4 or 5. India will take on Pakistan in a group-stage clash on September 7 in Dubai, the same venue where they played during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The competition will be held in the T20 format, featuring a group stage followed by the Super Four round. India and Pakistan are likely to meet again on September 14 if both teams qualify for the Super Four. A third encounter could take place in the final, which is scheduled for September 21.
India was originally named as the official host, but the tournament is being shifted to the UAE due to the mutual decision by India and Pakistan not to travel to each other’s countries. However, the BCCI is expected to retain the hosting rights.
India Has Never Refused to Face Pakistan in ICC Tournaments
No formal statement has been released by either the BCCI or the Asian Cricket Council. According to a new report from Tribune.com, Sony, the official broadcaster, has been assured by the BCCI that India will be part of the competition.
“Sony has now also been told by the BCCI not to worry – India will play in the Asia Cup,” the report said.
It also stated that an Indian broadcaster has confirmed: “The tournament will be held in September. Our team will also participate."
"No matter how strained the bilateral ties, India has never refused to play Pakistan in ICC events. The only reason is the lucrative media rights, mostly held by Indian broadcasters,” the report stated.
India and Pakistan Last Met in 2025 Champions Trophy Clash in Dubai
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since 2012–13, when Pakistan last toured India for a limited-overs series. The two nations have only faced each other in ICC events and other multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup.
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 and has refused to travel there since, due to political and security concerns. This stance continued during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India opted not to play in Pakistan.
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, played their matches in Dubai, including a high-profile encounter against Pakistan. India won that match convincingly by six wickets and eventually clinched the tournament title.
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