Cricket fans are in for a treat as the Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 9th, with India and Pakistan poised to meet on Sunday, September 14th. Both teams are in Group A, alongside UAE and Oman. A second match is highly probable on Sunday, September 21st, in the Super Four phase. The possibility of a final clash exists, potentially leading to three India-Pakistan encounters within a month. Astonishingly, these two teams have never contested a final in this tournament.
India will play its initial match on September 10th, all in Dubai, UAE. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament will feature 19 matches, held across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Each team will have a 17-member squad.
The tournament is being hosted by the BCCI but will be held in the UAE. This was decided at an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting on July 24th. The venue change is due to the mutual decision between India and Pakistan to play only at neutral venues until at least 2027, because of ongoing political tensions.
The ACC, in its current agreement with broadcasters, ensures India and Pakistan are in the same group to ensure minimum two matches. The structure of the tournament also allows for a thrilling final if both teams make it through the knockout phases.