Cricket’s fiercest rivals, India and Pakistan, are expected to face off on September 7 in the Asia Cup 2025, as per a report by The Times of India. The much-anticipated T20 tournament is set to begin on September 4 or 5, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) likely serving as the host due to political tensions between the two nations.
This year’s Asia Cup will feature six teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The format includes group stages followed by a Super Four round. If both teams qualify for the next stage, they may meet again on September 14, possibly raising the stakes further.
Originally, India was to host the entire tournament. However, strained relations with Pakistan prompted the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to consider a hybrid hosting model. Under this plan, matches involving Pakistan would be played at a neutral venue, most likely in the UAE — a familiar solution used in past events.
Preparations are already underway. The ACC has reportedly locked in a 17-day window for the tournament, while governments are in the process of granting approvals for team participation. Promotional campaigns for the Asia Cup have also begun across digital platforms and broadcasters.
This comes amid a backdrop of sports-related tensions. India refused to play its Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan, instead competing in Dubai, including the March 9 final. With bilateral cricket suspended since 2013, India and Pakistan now face each other only in ICC and ACC events — making each encounter not just rare, but truly unmissable.