The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that the two teams would still play each other in the 2025 Asia Cup, even though bilateral cricket series between Pakistan and India are still on hold.
The statement confirmed New Delhi’s position that cricket ties outside of multilateral events will not resume any time soon.
India vs Pakistan Set for Historic Asia Cup 2025 Final
Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for a historic clash as India and Pakistan face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium.
This marks the first-ever final between the two archrivals in the tournament’s history, adding even more intensity to an already fierce rivalry.
Pakistan secured their spot after a nail-biting 11-run victory against Bangladesh, while India entered the final unbeaten in the Super Four stage.
With high expectations, passionate fan support, and both teams in strong form, the final promises to be one of the most exciting encounters in recent cricket history.
Pakistan’s coach, Mike Hesson, has urged players to focus purely on cricket amid controversies, reminding them to remain disciplined ahead of the high-pressure final.
🔍 Key Updates Before the Match
- Pakistan has officially reached the Super 4 stage after defeating the UAE by 41 runs. This win eliminated the UAE and secured Pakistan’s spot alongside India from Group A.
- India previously beat Pakistan in their group‐stage clash by seven wickets, with a strong spin attack and Suryakumar Yadav finishing unbeaten.
- Tensions remain high due to the earlier handshake controversy—India players skipped the handshake after the first match, and Pakistan demanded action against match referee Andy Pycroft, but the referee has been retained.
⚔️ Match Details & Atmosphere
- The match is being played in Dubai International Stadium as part of the Super Four stage.
- The team from Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference again, apparently to avoid controversy or difficult questions arising from their last match against India.
- On the field, there are claims that Pakistani players are using chants like “6-0, 6-0,” which reference political and military operations as well as ongoing rhetoric, thereby adding further intensity to an already charged rivalry.
🏏 What’s At Stake
- India enters the match confident, unbeaten in the tournament so far, and strong in both batting and bowling.
- Pakistan is under pressure to improve, especially their batting against spin, after failing to challenge well in the group stage. Their skipper, Salman Ali Agha, has emphasised the need for better performance and composure.
Asia Cup: Pakistan and India to proceed after the Indian government clarifies.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports says bilateral matches are off but multi-nation tournaments can continue.
India will not host or visit Pakistan for bilateral contests. However, their players and teams can participate in multi-nation competitions with Pakistan, preparing for the next Asia Cup in September and the ODI World Cup in October.
Multilateral competitions hosted by India can include Pakistani athletes.
These recommendations were released by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to clarify the Indian government’s attitude on sporting cooperation with Pakistan during tense political relations.
The statement did not address whether Indian athletes can compete in Pakistani multilateral competitions.
The freeze between the two countries is still in effect.
India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral cricket series since 2012–13, when Pakistan came to India for a short series of limited-overs games.
Political problems between the two countries have often hindered attempts to revive cricketing ties. Officials made it clear that the present policy of “no bilateral engagement” will not alter.
The Asia Cup is a neutral place.
Even though their diplomatic connections are frozen, the two cricketing powers are likely to clash on the pitch during the Asia Cup, which is run by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The government stated that participating in these types of multilateral games does not violate the rules for bilateral tournaments.
Expected High-Stakes Meeting.
When Pakistan and India play each other in international or regional tournaments, the match becomes a high-voltage event that millions of people across the world watch.
Fans of cricket are already marking their calendars for the Asia Cup match, which is likely to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament.
In a larger context.
The announcement shows that political relations still divided, but it also shows how cricket can bring the two countries together on neutral ground.
The Asia Cup clash is one of the most anticipated events in the sport, and it gives athletes a chance to show off their skills and compete fiercely.