Will India face Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025? Indian sports ministry breaks silence

Just a few weeks before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, the million-dollar question is whether India will take on Pakistan in the multi-side event. The Pahalgam terror attack has strained the fragile political situation between the two countries. Post that, India Champions withdrew their clash against the Green Brigade during the recent WLC 2025. 

The two-arch rivals are scheduled to meet on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a Group A fixture. Meanwhile, the Indian Sports Ministry has revealed that they would play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 and all the upcoming international events.

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"India’s Policy Towards International Sporting Events. India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. So far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India.” The Indian Sports Ministry issues a statement.  

India to play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 as Indian Sports Ministry gives green light

Even before this update, the BCCI and PCB had already come to a mutual agreement where it was revealed that both sides would face each other in international events only in neutral venues. That’s why the Asia Cup 2025 fixture will take place in Dubai despite the Blue Brigade being the official hosts of the competition.

“About international & multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India's emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan.” The Indian Sports Ministry added.  

“Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India. To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified.” It has been addressed.