This year’s Asia Cup could see arch-rivals India and Pakistan face each other at least twice if things go according to plan. 

 

According to Indian media reports, the Asia Cup is likely to begin around September 4 or 5, with the high-voltage group stage match between India and Pakistan expected to take place on September 7 in Dubai. If both teams qualify for the Super Four stage, they could meet again on September 14.

 

Indian media outlets have also reported that although India is the official host for the tournament, the matches will likely be played at a neutral venue, with the UAE emerging as the strongest option. The Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format this time, and the final is expected to be held on September 21.

 

The tournament will feature six teams: Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE.

 

Pakistani sports journalist Faizan Lakhani shared his take on the changing narrative in Indian media. He wrote, “From reporting that India is pulling out of the Asia Cup, to declaring that the tournament will proceed without Pakistan, to reports that BCCI will request the ICC to separate India and Pakistan groups in future events, the Indian media has now started to report the possible date of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash!”

 

From reporting that India is pulling out of the Asia Cup, to declaring that the tournament will proceed without Pakistan, to reports that BCCI will request the ICC to separate India and Pakistan groups in future events, the Indian media has now started to report the possible date…

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) July 2, 2025

 

He added, “According to SportsTak (the same website that reported the Champions Trophy was being moved to South Africa), the India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup will happen on September 7th.”

 

However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.