 "India won the Asia Cup in 2023. AFP")
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially revealed the host venues for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been finalised as the two venues for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. The India vs Pakistan group stage encounter is slated to be held on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Moreover, the final of the continental cup will also be held in Dubai.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be a T20 affair, where eight teams will fight for Asian supremacy. India, along with Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman are clubbed in Group A. Whereas Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. A total of 12 games will be played in the group stage, and following that, four teams will progress to the Super Four stage. Two finalists will eventually emerge after the super four battle.
Controversy related to the India vs Pakistan match
In the wake of the Pahalgam Terror Attack, tensions have boiled between India and Pakistan, leading to a culmination of all the ties. In the aftermath, the public sentiment insists on boycotting Pakistan from all ends. Therefore, the popular opinion is that India should not indulge in any cricketing activity with Pakistan. In this aspect, BCCI has come under flak , and questions on its stand on cricket with Pakistan have emerged.
A similar case emanated in the second season of the World Championship of Legends, where the team of India legends pulled out of playing against the Pakistan Legends team. Big names like Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, all backed out of playing Pakistan in the eleventh hour. Later, the team abdicated its contention to play in the final as well just because they were drawn against Pakistan in the semi-finals.
Given the grave situation, it will be interesting to note what will eventually transpire when the date when these two teams are scheduled to clash draws close.