Asia Cup 2025: India & Pakistan To Faceoff Despite Pahalgam Bloodbath, Tournament Begins From September 5; Says Report

The future of the Asia Cup 2025 hanged in balance especially after the Pahalgam bloodbath. However, it appears that the tournament will proceed despite the ongoing border tension between India and Pakistan. According to a Times of India report, the Asia Cup is set to begin on September 5 and will be held in the UAE, with the BCCI retaining the hosting rights. A 17-day window has been given for the competition that will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and UAE.

India to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup

India was supposed to be the official hosts of the tournament. However, with India and Pakistan agreeing not to travel to each other's countries, the Asia Cup 2025 is likely to be held in the UAE.

As per the report, all teams are in the process of getting clearances from their respective governments to take part in the tournament. India and Pakistan will face each other on September 7.

This year’s edition will be played in T20I format, with the title clash expected to be held on September 21. A group stage will give way to Super Fours, with the top two teams from the second round advancing into the final.

Questions over India's Asia Cup participation

Following the Pahalgam attack this year, which killed 26 people, reports had emerged that India might pull out from the tournament with BCCI reportedly informing the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) its decision. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later refuted the claims.

He had said, “The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, till now. BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women."