Tournament Kickoff in the UAE from Tuesday
The Asia Cup begins Tuesday in the UAE, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening match at Abu Dhabi.
Arch-Rivals Set for Dubai Showdown
India and Pakistan meet on September 14 in Dubai, renewing one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
Possible Multiple Encounters
Both teams are in the same group, making up to three contests possible, including a final on September 28.
The Asia Cup returns this week with cricket fans eagerly awaiting the marquee India-Pakistan clash. The eight-team Twenty20 event opens Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan face Hong Kong in the first match.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will collide in Dubai on September 14. Political tensions have kept the two sides apart since 2012, limiting encounters to multinational tournaments at neutral venues.
This year, they share the same group. That raises the prospect of as many as three encounters — in the group stage, the Super Four, and possibly the final. The final is scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.
Former Pakistan great Wasim Akram called for restraint from both players and fans. He urged everyone to “remain disciplined and not cross the line” when emotions run high in the stadium.
Defending champions India enter the tournament as favourites. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, they boast strong form and a commanding record against Pakistan in T20 internationals. India have won 10 of the 13 contests between the two rivals.
The last meeting came in Dubai earlier this year during the 50-over Champions Trophy. India defeated Pakistan by six wickets and went on to lift the trophy. That victory further strengthened India’s dominance in recent encounters.
Pakistan, meanwhile, face challenges with key absences. Star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are missing from the squad after a poor run of form. Their omission leaves Pakistan vulnerable against India’s experienced and in-form line-up.
Fans across South Asia and beyond now await the spectacle in Dubai. With regional pride at stake, the clash promises passion, drama, and potentially decisive moments in the tournament.
