DUBAI: The 2025 Asia Cup is set to begin on Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates, with cricket’s fiercest rivalry taking center stage as India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in Dubai on September 14.
The eight-team T20 tournament opens with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Beyond regional bragging rights, the Asia Cup serves as a crucial preparation platform ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March in India and Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, India and Pakistan, drawn in the same group, could potentially face each other up to three times during the competition, which concludes on September 28.
The last time they met was in February in Dubai, during the Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious before going on to win the title.
India also enter the tournament as defending Asia Cup champions, having claimed the 2023 edition in Colombo. In addition, the build-up to this year’s event, however, has been overshadowed by political and security tensions.
In May, India and Pakistan engaged in their most serious conflict since 1999, following an attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
So far, India accused Pakistan of involvement, an allegation strongly rejected by Islamabad. The crisis escalated with air strikes and aerial engagements before United States intervention helped secure a ceasefire.
In this sense, these hostilities have spilled over into sport. In July, India’s veterans side withdrew from their semi-final against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in England, citing national sentiment.
Nonetheless, cricketing figures on both sides have called for restraint. Pakistan’s former fast bowler Wasim Akram urged players and fans to remain disciplined and not cross the line.
On the field, India are widely seen as favourites, boasting a dominant 10-3 record over Pakistan in T20 internationals. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the defending champions will look to extend their supremacy.
Pakistan, meanwhile, face a setback with the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad due to recent poor form.
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The tournament features five full Asian Cricket Council members India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan joined by qualifiers Hong Kong, Oman, and UAE. Group A includes India, Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The top teams will advance to the Super Four stage, culminating in the Dubai final.
