Follow UsArch-rivals India and Pakistan will meet in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, according to the schedule announced on July 26 (Saturday). There is a chance that the two teams could meet at least three times, including the final of the tournament, held in the UAE.
With the recent cross-border tensions between the two countries, India, who are the hosts of the eight-team event, were expected not to engage with Pakistan in the tournament. In fact, there were reports that they would pull out.
However, as things stand, they will participate in the tournament, starting September 9. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has called out India's double standards, saying that they must stop using patriotism when it only suits them.
The former leg-spinner's comments come after India refused to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, which is going on in England.
"Indian players boycotted WCL and called it national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport — not propaganda," Kaneria wrote on social media.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012. They have since played in ICC events or in Asia Cups. India won the last edition of the Asia Cup in 2023, beating Sri Lanka in the final. However, the Asia Cup 2025 will be a T20I tournament. The last time it was played in a T20 format was in 2022, which Sri Lanka won.