Dubai: Cricket’s most intense rivalry is returning to the spotlight as Pakistan and India are scheduled to face off in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 7 in Dubai, UAE, according to early reports.
The much-anticipated tournament will follow the T20 format and kick off in the first week of September, featuring group stages, followed by the Super Four, and culminating in the final on September 21. If both teams advance successfully, fans could witness up to three Pakistan-India matches—on September 7, again on September 14 in the Super Four, and potentially once more in the final.
Despite ongoing political tensions following the recent Pahalgam incident, the tournament is proceeding as planned. Rumors of a possible cancellation have been dismissed. An Indian broadcaster confirmed India’s participation, stating, “The tournament is on, and we are ready to cover it.”
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to diplomatic friction, and matches between the two nations continue to be hosted at neutral venues such as the UAE. Their last faceoff was in Dubai earlier this year during the Champions Trophy.
India’s involvement is also influenced by the immense broadcasting revenue generated from Indo-Pak fixtures, with most rights held by Indian media giants. These matches command massive global viewership, making them critical to the tournament’s success.
Ticket demand is expected to soar, with fans eagerly awaiting the electric atmosphere that only a Pakistan vs India clash can deliver. The 2025 Asia Cup is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling cricket events of the year.