Contest between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup reignites following the recent dispute

The T20 Asia Cup, a prelude to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year, is set to commence in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament, consisting of a group stage and a Super Four round, will culminate in the final in Dubai.

Group A, comprising India, Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman, promises an exciting start with the clash between the Asian cricketing giants, India and Pakistan, on September 14 in Dubai. Interestingly, India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are clear favourites against Pakistan, boasting a 10-3 win record in T20 internationals.

India's dominance over Pakistan is not new. They recently secured a six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the 50-over Champions Trophy in February, lifting the title. The last time these two teams met in the Asia Cup was in 2023, where India emerged victorious, defeating hosts Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo.

However, the upcoming encounter is shrouded in tension, following a four-day conflict between the two nations in May. The hostilities left more than 70 people dead in missile, drone, and artillery exchanges, before a ceasefire.

The India-Pakistan clash is not the only anticipated match of the tournament. The Super-Four round of the Asia Cup 2025 T20 will feature the top two teams from each of the two groups, competing in a round-robin format. The teams include India, Pakistan, and other qualifying nations, with particular anticipation around an India-Pakistan match on September 21 in Dubai.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his opposition to the Asia Cup game between India and Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan will be playing without star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been dropped from the shortest format due to poor form.

The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) - Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka - have earned automatic qualification to the T20 Asia Cup. Hong Kong, Oman, and the UAE have secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC men's Premier Cup.

The T20 Asia Cup marks a significant event in the build-up towards the T20 World Cup. In a surprising move, a team of retired Indian players withdrew from their semi-final with Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends held in England in July-August. This decision has sparked speculation about the political and diplomatic implications of cricket matches between India and Pakistan.

As the T20 Asia Cup gets underway, the cricket world eagerly awaits the clashes between the Asian giants, hoping for a thrilling display of cricket. The tournament promises to be a rollercoaster ride, filled with tension, anticipation, and, of course, some unforgettable cricket moments.

Contest between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup reignites following the recent dispute