DUBAI, UAE: The stage is set for one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries as India and Pakistan prepare to face each other on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025, their first encounter since the deadly border conflict in May that claimed over 70 lives. The highly anticipated contest is already being described as the “match of the year,” with emotions running high both on and off the field.
The tournament, being jointly hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, features eight teams divided into groups. India and Pakistan, placed together in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, could potentially meet more than once—including in a dream final—if they advance through the stages.
The high-voltage clash has reignited debate across the cricketing world. Pakistan’s legendary pacer Wasim Akram has urged both sides and their supporters to show restraint, stressing that discipline and sportsmanship must prevail over political tensions. On the other hand, voices from India, including former cricketer Manoj Tiwary, have questioned the decision to play Pakistan at all, citing unresolved hostilities.
Despite political sensitivities, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and local organisers are determined to keep cricket separate from diplomacy, insisting the tournament must continue as scheduled. The BCCI has also clarified that India’s participation aligns with the government’s stance on multinational events, even if bilateral series remain off the table.
With star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi ready to take the field, the match promises not just breathtaking cricket but also symbolic weight far beyond the boundary line. For millions of fans, the encounter will be more than just sport—it will be a test of whether cricket can offer a bridge of normalcy amid tense relations.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.