Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has put cricket fans at ease, by promising that the awaited India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 will not be called off. The historic continental competition is going to slate off on 9th September and will be culminated with the grand final on 28st September.
India and Pakistan to Square Up, at Group Stage, and Beyond
The inaugural clash of the arch-rivals will be played on 14th of September. With the tournament consisting of Super 4s, India vs Pakistan may face each other again and potentially in the final as well, establishing a possibility to have multiple-win or lose situations.
ECB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed explained that there was not any possibility that the two teams will not meet during the tournament. He clarified that it is an official tournament and because of this, it is not like a smaller tournament such as World Championship of Legends (WCL) where India had opted not to play against Pakistan.
Although I can not make a formal assurance, there is no danger of no games between Pakistan and India. Asia Cup cannot be equated with the World Championship of Legends that was played privately and in which India turned down the offer to play with Pakistan either in the league stage or even the semi-final,” Subhan told Pakistan Observer.
India Vs Pakistan Clash Set Under Political Tensions Spotlight
The relations between the two countries deteriorated following the recent attack in Pahalgam and there have been calls by the Ruling Party in India that the country should boycott Pakistan in various international sports. This politico-situation had cast aspersions on whether or not India will play the matches with their opponents in the Asia Cup.
The BCCI at first did not clearly state that it was to play against Pakistan. This confusion brought about speculations and worries among the followers of the sport of cricket as they were afraid that the tourney might lose one of the greatest attractions.
Nevertheless, the BCCI assured the team participation at the end and it was thus clear that India vs Pakistan would be included in the main draw of the tournament. This was good news to the fans on both sides who were looking forward to yet another episode of this historic competition.
Government clearances of Asia cup approved by ECB
Subhan Ahmed added that both of the teams had the needed clearance by their governments to participate in the Asia Cup. Such a sanction takes out any of the reservations and ensures the India vs Pakistan match takes place.
Fans have now got that expectation that the match will be watched all over the globe by millions. The contest has created memorable pleasures in the previous versions and the 2025 meeting should not be any different as the two sides are currently in good form.
Asia Cup Groups are Announced as India to face Pakistan in Group A
The draw of the group stage of the tournament has supported India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman to Group A. Group B will consist of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong so as to facilitate competition and fair schedule.
Through such line-ups, the Asia Cup 2025 is likely going to be a very competitive event. Nonetheless, beyond any doubt, the India vs Pakistan encounter will be the main attraction the match that goes beyond cricket and inspires participants on a global scale.
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