The 2025 Asia Cup cricket tournament is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, with the much-awaited India vs Pakistan match scheduled for September 14. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that the competition will feature a T20 format and include eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.
India and Pakistan, traditionally placed in the same group, are expected to face each other multiple times during the tournament. This has stirred both excitement and tension among fans and political circles. The decision to have both teams in the same group has sparked political controversy in India, with some politicians and former cricketers criticizing the government’s inconsistent approach towards Pakistan, especially in the wake of recent cross-border tensions and a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.
Key reactions include:
- Sourav Ganguly, former India captain, emphasized the significance of keeping sports separate from political conflicts, stating that “sport must go on,” while also underscoring the need to combat terrorism.
- Other leaders and players have expressed caution, indicating the delicate balance between the role of cricket diplomacy and national security concerns.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the tournament’s role as a marquee event in Asian cricket and expressed hope that the Asia Cup would demonstrate cricket’s power to build bridges across the region.
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