Pakistan, India set for first clash since May conflict in Asia Cup 2025 – SUCH TV

A blockbuster clash between Pakistan and India will headline the Asia Cup, starting Tuesday, marking their first cricket meeting since the May military conflict.

The T20I tournament, a crucial build-up to the upcoming World Cup in India and Sri Lanka (February–March), kicks off in Abu Dhabi with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India meet in Dubai on September 14, with bowling legend Wasim Akram urging players and fans “to remain disciplined and not cross the line.”

The two neighbours, who haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012, are in the same group and could meet up to three times before the final on September 28.

Tensions remain high after the four-day May conflict—their deadliest clash since 1999—which killed more than 70 people in missile, drone, and artillery exchanges.

Lingering bitterness also saw India’s veterans team, led by Yuvraj Singh, withdraw from facing Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in England earlier this year.

Ex-spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly opposed the Asia Cup match, saying, “Until the big issues are resolved, cricket is a very small matter.”

India, the defending Asia Cup champions, head into the tournament as favourites with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and a commanding 10-3 T20I record over Pakistan.

Their last meeting, in February’s Champions Trophy, saw India beat Pakistan by six wickets on the way to lifting the trophy.

Pakistan will be without star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both dropped from the shortest format because of poor form.

India won the previous Asia Cup, which was played in a 50-over format in 2023, when they beat hosts Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo.

India are strong favourites to retain their crown.

The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka earned automatic qualification to the tournament.

They are joined by Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE, teams that secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC men’s Premier Cup.

Group A is made up of India, Pakistan, the hosts UAE and Oman.

Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

The group stage will be followed by a Super Four round, followed by the final in Dubai.