The Asia Cup schedule, announced on Saturday, July 26, 2025, confirms the tournament begins September 9. India and Pakistan could face off three times in a month, but India’s decision to play Pakistan has sparked significant backlash. Their first match is scheduled for September 14, with a potential Super Four rematch on September 21.
India’s Olympic Ambitions Behind Relaxed Stance?
According to a Cricbuzz report, India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics is a key factor in its softened stance on sporting ties with Pakistan. Hosting the Olympics requires nations to demonstrate openness and neutrality in international sports, as mandated by Rule 44 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits exclusion based on political, religious, or racial grounds.
Government’s Position: No Objection To Multilateral Events
Earlier in July, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya made it very clear that the Indian government has no problem with matches against Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. India recently approved the Pakistan Hockey Team to take part in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, which will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29.
Women’s Cricket Also Ready For India-Pakistan Matches
The India-Pakistan rivalry will also be seen in women’s cricket. The two countries will be playing against each other at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, adding to the heated ongoing debate in the public sphere about sporting ties with Pakistan.
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Recent Controversy Adds Fuel To Fire
This move comes after the latest controversy surrounding the World Championship of Legends (WCL), when a match between India and Pakistan was suddenly cancelled, putting extra pressure on sporting relations as well as raising eyebrows regarding the latest Asia Cup proposals.
