India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 will go on as per schedule after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) got the nod from the Indian government on Thursday.
Doubts were cast over the high-voltage clash in Dubai on September 14 due to the recent geopolitical tensions between the two neighbouring nations, however, a new directive from the government has arrived, which effectively gives its nod to the BCCI to go ahead and play the game in Dubai next month.
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The Asia Cup starts in the UAE on September 9, with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the tournament opener, while India play their first match of the tournament a day after against hosts UAE.
Pakistan, on the other hand, kick off their campaign in the Asia Cup on September 12 against Oman. Both India and Pakistan have been clubbed alongside in Group A.
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What is the Indian government's directive on India facing Pakistan in sporting events?
The Indian government unveiled a new policy for India's international sporting engagements, involving Pakistan, where India won't face their neighbours in any bilateral encounters on Indian or Pakistani soil.
Neither will India travel to Pakistan for any bilateral encounter, nor will Pakistan be allowed to enter India. However, multilateral tournaments will be permitted.
A source from the government told PTI (via Hindustan Times), "India's approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. 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.
"We will not stop Indian cricket team from playing in Asia Cup as it is multilateral. But Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil for bilateral competitions. But we will not stop them from multilateral events as we will abide by Olympic Charter."
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When is India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025?
India and Pakistan will lock horns in a Group A fixture on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14.