Explained: 3 India vs Pakistan clashes in Asia Cup 2025? Here is how

The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to begin on 9 September and will run until 28 September in the UAE. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A, and fans will witness the highly anticipated clash between the two teams on 14 September in Dubai.

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However, political tensions between the two nations have escalated following the Pahalgam terror attacks in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. In the aftermath, diplomatic relations have worsened, spilling over into the cricketing world. Most recently, the scheduled match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 in England was called off due to backlash from Indian fans.

There was widespread criticism on social media over former Indian cricketers participating in a match against Pakistan. As pressure mounted, several players from the India Champions squad withdrew, forcing the cancellation of the fixture.

With the announcement of the Asia Cup, fans remain divided on social media. While some call for a boycott of the Pakistan match, others argue that the sporting rivalry should continue. Former cricketers have also shared mixed views.

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Shreevats Goswami voiced a strong opinion, stating that India should not play Pakistan, as it could upset the sentiments of the entire nation. On the other hand, former Team India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly took a more balanced stance, saying, “Sports should go on, but any kind of terror attacks will not be tolerated.”

Despite public backlash, the India vs Pakistan fixture in the Asia Cup is unlikely to be cancelled. According to media reports, a close source within the BCCI confirmed that the match will go ahead as scheduled. The source explained that the Asia Cup is a multi-nation tournament, not a bilateral series, and India pulling out would hand Pakistan an unfair advantage in terms of points and progression.

Interestingly, fans may not just witness one India vs Pakistan encounter in this tournament. If both teams qualify from Group A as expected, they will meet again in the Super Four stage, which will happen on 21 September. Should both sides then reach the final, a third and decisive showdown would take place for the trophy—raising the possibility of three India-Pakistan clashes in less than three weeks.

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