NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan will go ahead as scheduled on Sept. 14. The decision follows growing speculation about a possible withdrawal, but officials confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has committed to the match during an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting.
The ACC released the full tournament schedule on July 26, confirming the league-stage match between the two rivals. India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman make up Group A in this year’s edition of the Asia Cup, which will be played in the T20 format. Despite mounting uncertainty, the BCCI will not pull out of the tournament. According to sources close to the Indian board, the decision to move forward was finalized after a detailed discussion at the ACC meeting.
“The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the match now,” a source told IANS. “Since India is the host nation, nothing can be changed at this stage. The match will go ahead as scheduled.”
The statement puts to rest rumors of a potential India-Pakistan boycott, which had gained traction following recent political tensions between the two nations. The confusion intensified after India Champions, led by former cricket star Yuvraj Singh, refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham. That match was later canceled by organizers.
The former players’ decision came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which escalated political tensions between India and Pakistan.
However, the BCCI has maintained its position and has not issued any public statements supporting a boycott in the Asia Cup. This year’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format to help teams prepare for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The tournament marks a milestone, featuring eight teams for the first time in its history.
Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage.
If India and Pakistan qualify, fans could witness up to three high-stakes matches between the two cricketing giants. India enters the tournament as defending champions, having beaten Sri Lanka in the final of the 2023 edition. With a powerful T20 lineup and home advantage, the Men in Blue aim to retain their title.
The announcement by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi ended months of speculation about the tournament’s future. The confirmation ensures that cricket fans across the world can look forward to one of the sport’s biggest rivalries.
India vs Pakistan matches are among the most-watched events in global sports. With political tensions in the background, every encounter carries emotional and patriotic weight for fans. Despite diplomatic hurdles, cricket continues to act as a bridge between the two nations, drawing massive TV audiences and record viewership worldwide.
