Why BCCI said yes to India vs Pakistan at Asia Cup 2025!

A tournament once buried under diplomatic roadblocks and political tension has now been revived. The Asia Cup 2025 is officially on, and it promises to bring back one of cricket’s most intense and emotionally charged rivalries, India vs Pakistan, possibly three times in just three weeks. The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates, confirmed by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Mohsin Naqvi. But the bigger story lies behind how the Indian government went from reluctance to approval.

India’s Clearance Was the Real Turning Point

Given the frozen bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, many believed that the Asia Cup was destined to collapse. Ever since Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation to a terror attack in Pahalgam, diplomatic relations with Pakistan had only hardened. The idea of the Indian team participating in a Pakistan-led initiative seemed far-fetched.

But then came a surprising twist. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently hinted that India has no objection to facing Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. With India aiming to host the 2036 Olympics, a more inclusive and flexible stance towards international sporting events seems both strategic and necessary. That quiet green signal from the government has now opened the floodgates for what could be one of the most thrilling Asia Cups in history.

A Triple Treat of India vs Pakistan?

India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group, alongside UAE and Oman, which means a group-stage clash on September 14 is guaranteed. If both teams qualify for the Super 4s, they’ll meet again on September 21. And if both make it to the final, expect a third high-voltage showdown on September 28.Group B features Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. A total of 19 matches will be played, and while the venues are yet to be officially confirmed, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to host the games.

A Cricket Extravaganza Before the T20 World Cup

The Asia Cup will be held in the T20 format, serving as a perfect precursor to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For fans, it is not just a tournament but a spectacle, where politics, pride and cricket collide. And this time, the drama begins before a single ball is even bowled.

Also Watch: Underbowled. Undervalued. Unbelievable! Why was Washington Sundar ignored?