India To Not Play Pakistan in Asia Cup? Indian Government Breaks Silence

The Asia Cup 2025 is on the horizon, and the most anticipated clash of the tournament between India and Pakistan is going to take place on September 14 in Dubai. The Asia Cup 2025 will be in T20 format for the preparation of the ICC World Cup 2026. The top Asia team will put on a strong show to win the title and get ready for the T20 World Cup.

As the Asia Cup nears, all eyes are on the Pakistan game as things have changed lot between the two nations. India’s first game is against the UAE on 10 September, followed by Pakistan game on 14 September, and the last group stage game is against Oman.

Will India Play Pakistan in Asia Cup? Government Breaks Silence

The Indian government has given the green light to India to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The Sports Ministry has announced a new policy on India's foreign activities, with a focus on Pakistan. It states that the bilateral cricket connections would stay severed, but the centre will not prevent the BCCI, which is also the richest cricket board in the world, from playing the Pakistan match.

Moreover, the government also added that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for any games, and they will not host Pakistan teams for any series. “India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country," the ministry policy stated. “In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India." It means that the stance of Indian government on India-Pakistan matches remains the same.

When will Asia Cup 2025 Begin?

The Asia Cup, which is going to start from 9 September, sees India and Pakistan playing in the same group. The tournament is between eight teams, and they fight for the title till 28 September. India and Pakistan have a rich rivalry, and their matches automatically become the most-watched games in the tournament.

Whenever India plays against Pakistan in an ICC tournament, everyone is on their feet as both nations have given nail-biting games over the period of time. This time, Suryakumar Yadav, who is also one of the best T20 batsmen in the world will lead the team in the Asia Cup.

For the first time in 18 years, India are without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two players who are the greatest batsmen of all time. Both of them took retirement from the T20I format after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. On the other hand, Pakistan have left Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan due to poor form.

History Between India & Pakistan in Big Tournaments

India refused to play any bilateral matches against Pakistan, but the two nations often meet in ICC tournaments and other multi-national leagues. India also refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security reasons. Both teams have faced each other in neutral venues. In their recent meeting which was during the Champions Trophy 2025, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai.

In the history of the ICC World Cup, India have won all eight games against Pakistan. But Pakistan have managed to win one game, during the ICC T20 World 2021. During this match, Pakistan won the game by chasing down the target of 151 runs wicket losing a wicket.

Speaking of Asia Cup, India have 10 wins over Pakistan in the ODI and T20 format overall. India has dominated Pakistan in each of the big tournaments. They also defeated Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, USA, which was also their last encounter in the T20I format.