India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash cleared as government explains policy

A late-night statement from India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has ended the uncertainty around September’s Asia Cup 2025 India-Pakistan match-up, confirming that while bilateral tours remain frozen, fixtures inside multi-nation events are green-lit.

What the government said

The ministry spelled out two clear rules:

1. No bilateral contests: Indian teams will neither travel to Pakistan nor host them for home series.

2. Yes to multilateral tournaments: Teams from both countries may face each other when a third nation is involved, and the same applies if India stages such events.

The circular also promised streamlined visas for athletes, officials and international sports-body executives, with five-year multiple-entry permits to make India a “preferred destination” for global sport.

Immediate impact on Asia Cup 2025

• Tournament window: 9-28 September in the UAE.

• Group showdown: India v Pakistan on 14 September in Dubai.

• Possible rematches: They could meet in the Super Four and the 28 September final.

The Asia Cup was originally earmarked for India but shifted to the UAE in July under the now-familiar hybrid hosting model used in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Why this clarification matters

Political tensions since April’s Pahalgam terror attack had sparked calls for an outright boycott. In July, India’s Legends side even forfeited a World Championship of Legends semi-final against Pakistan. Without government consent, the BCCI cannot send teams abroad; the fresh directive therefore removes the last administrative hurdle for September’s blue-riband clash.

The longer back-story

• Last bilateral series: December 2012 (ODIs and T20Is in India).

• Regular ICC meetings: The rivals have crossed paths in every World Cup and Asia Cup since 2013.

• Champions Trophy 2025 precedent: India skipped matches in Pakistan; all their games were moved to Dubai.

Looking ahead

With the air cleared, India can press ahead with final preparations for the Asia Cup — and fans can look forward to one of world sport’s most-watched rivalries unfolding under desert lights once more.

Alt text (cover image): Indian and Pakistani cricketers greet each other after a recent ICC tournament match in Dubai.

Excerpt: India’s sports ministry has ruled out bilateral cricket with Pakistan but okayed encounters inside multination events, paving the way for the high-profile Asia Cup clash in Dubai on 14 September.