On IND vs PAK, ‘no risk of India, Pakistan not playing’, says ECB

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) CEO has confirmed that the marquee India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025 will take place as planned. The arch-rivals are set to lock horns more than just once in the 8-nation tournament, with the first contest scheduled to take place on September 14 in Dubai. Although the BCCI has received green light from the central government for taking on Pakistan, speculations arose after the WCL 2025 saga in which India Champions boycotted matches against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

No risk to IND vs PAK tie at Asia Cup: ECB

Speaking to the media, ECB chairman Subhan Ahmed stated that while he could not give a formal assurance, there was no risk of India and Pakistan not playing. He reportedly claimed that both sides had confirmed their participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving approvals from their respective governments, thereby reducing chances of last-minute withdrawals.

“While I cannot give a formal guarantee, there is no risk of Pakistan and India not playing. The Asia Cup cannot be compared to private tournaments like the World Championship of Legends, where India refused to play against Pakistan in both the league stage and semi-final,” the ECB CEO said.

The Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9-28 in the UAE in a T20 format, despite India being the official hosts of the tournament. India and Pakistan are grouped together with UAE and Oman in Group A. With both teams likely to progress, they could face off again in the Super Four and even in the final, setting up a potential hat-trick of encounters in just three weeks.

Asia Cup 2025 will commence from September 9 and will go on till September 28, with the final scheduled to be held in Dubai.

Asia Cup 2025: Groups