Overview:
The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28, a top official of the Asian Cricket Council said on Saturday.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Former player Mohammad Azharuddin is not in favour of India playing against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The two arch-rivals have been drawn in the same group.
India is the official Asia Cup host, but the tournament is being held at a neutral venue for India and Pakistan. The marquee group game between the two countries is on Sept. 14.
The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28, a top official of the Asian Cricket Council said on Saturday.
“I am delighted to confirm the dates,” ACC president Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X. “We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket!”
India and Pakistan are in Group A with Oman and UAE. Group B comprises Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
The top two from each group will qualify for the Super 4 stage, where all four teams compete against each other before the top two go through to the final.
Pakistan and defending champion India are favorites to qualify from Group A, and that could potentially see three matches between the two if they qualify for the final.
“I have a clear stand from the starting that if you are not playing bilateral matches, there is no need to compete in other tournaments. India shouldn’t play against Pakistan in the ACC and ICC events as well. However, the final call will be taken by the government and the BCCI,” he told ANI.
Azhar was also reminded of Indian legends saying no to a game with Pakistan legends in the WCL 2025. “Look it is a private tournament and there is no involvement of the board. When it comes to international cricket, the decisions are taken by the board,” he added.