The Asia Cup 2025 Pahalgam was limited after the terrorist attack and India’s military reaction, which made the relationship between two countries tense. However, the multi-nation tournament is likely to be played according to the plan despite the stress on the border, especially since India is a host named.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. In vengeance, India launched a military operation, targeting terrorist 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 relations with Pakistan.
After the recent tension between India and Pakistan, the Indian media reported that the Asia Cup 2025 could be canceled. The reports stated that BCCI was reluctant to participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) led by Pakistan’s internal minister Mohsin Naqvi.
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India, Pakistan face the Asia Cup in 2025 despite the Pahalgam tragedy
However, the Asia Cup is likely to be played in the UAE. According to Sports Tech, the tournament is scheduled to begin on 4 or 5 September. India will take to Pakistan on 7 September in a group-step struggle in Dubai, the same place where they played during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The competition will be held in the T20 format, with a group phase after the Super Four Round. India and Pakistan are likely to meet again on 14 September if both teams qualify for Super Four. A third encounter can be in the final, which is scheduled for September 21.
India was originally nominated as an official host, but the tournament is being transferred to the UAE due to a mutual decision not by India and Pakistan to visit each other countries. However, BCCI is expected to maintain hosting rights.
India never refused to face Pakistan in the ICC tournament
No formal statement has been issued by the BCCI or Asian Cricket Council. According to a new report by Tribune.com, the official broadcaster, Sony, BCCI assured that India will be part of the competition.
The report said, “Sony has now been asked not to worry out by the BCCI – India will play in the Asia Cup.”
It was also said that an Indian broadcaster confirmed: “The tournament will be held in September. Our team will also participate.”
The report said, “No matter how tense bilateral relations are, India has never denied playing Pakistan in ICC events. The only reasons are attractive media rights, mostly conducted by Indian broadcasters.”
India and Pakistan last met in the Champions Trophy struggle in Dubai in 2025
India and Pakistan have not been engaged in the bilateral cricket series since 2012-13, when Pakistan last visited India for a limited over series. Both countries have faced each other in other multinational tournaments such as the ICC events and the Asia Cup.
India last visited Pakistan in 2008 and has refused to travel there since political and security concerns. The 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 by six wickets and eventually won the tournament title.
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