The highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown in the ACC Asia Cup 2025 is likely to take place on September 7 in Dubai, with Indian media on Wednesday revealing tentative dates and venue details for the tournament.
Despite India being the official hosts, the tournament is expected to be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to ongoing political tensions between the two arch-rivals.
Reports suggest that the Asia Cup 2025 is likely to begin around September 4 or 5, with the final pencilled in for September 21.
The recurring deadlock between the BCCI and PCB has led to the “fusion formula,” under which both boards reportedly agreed not to visit each other’s home soil for multi-nation events for the next three years.
Instead, their matches would be staged at neutral venues. That’s why the 17th edition of the continental event will see the arch-rivals clash in Dubai.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
It’s worth noting that the Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format and is expected to see India and Pakistan face off at least twice, first in the group stage, and potentially again in the Super Four round, depending on results.
Six teams will participate in the tournament: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The structure will follow the traditional format of a group stage leading into the Super Four, similar to previous editions.
An official announcement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the final schedule is expected in the second week of July.
Meanwhile, promotions are already in full swing, with teasers airing on Indian television and circulating across digital platforms.
It is worth noting that India are the defending champions, having crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the ODI-format final of the previous edition.
READ: Shubman Gill drops major hint on India Playing XI for second Test