A Big Yes to Asia Cup
The wait is over — India will play in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September in the UAE. Fans can now look forward to the much-anticipated India–Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai.
The Indian Sports Ministry has given its approval, ensuring that Team India won’t miss the continental tournament — a relief for cricket lovers across the region.
The Clear No
Alongside this confirmation came another reminder: there will be no bilateral series between India and Pakistan. The government has reiterated its stance that matches will only happen in multi-team tournaments such as the Asia Cup, World Cup, or Champions Trophy.
Why No Bilateral Cricket?
Bilateral ties were suspended after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, with only a brief revival in 2012–13. Since then, the two teams have faced each other exclusively in ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) events. The new announcement simply formalises this long-standing reality.
What It Means for Fans
For fans, it’s a mixed bag. India–Pakistan encounters will continue at major global and continental events, but the possibility of a full Test series or ODI tour is officially off the table. The high-voltage bilateral tours of the past now remain a memory.
Looking Ahead
With the Asia Cup just weeks away, the spotlight is firmly on the September 14 clash in Dubai. The atmosphere promises to be electric, as always when the two rivals meet — even if their battles are now confined to tournament cricket.
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