September 6, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has since stated that India will be playing in the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan. The high-voltage match will be played on September 14 in Dubai, and the board has reiterated its adherence to the official policy of the Indian government.
According to the explanation by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the international fixtures are not considered independently by the board. Rather, the BCCI is bound by directives from the central government. As per the present position, India is not restricted from competing with some countries in the multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup or the ICC events.
The confirmation comes after some former players and sections of fans in India called for a boycott of the game. However, the BCCI clarified that refusing to play a scheduled match in an official tournament could invite penalties from governing bodies. With this clarification, the buzz around a possible withdrawal has been firmly dismissed.
When it comes to playing multinational tournaments, the government policy allows India to do so regardless of any political tension, but not in bilateral cricket. This means India will not play India bilaterally in a series or tour them, but the teams can meet in multinational events like the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
To reassure fans, Saikia noted that the policy applies to all sports and not only to cricket. Saikia said, “We are aligned with the Government of India policy and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The instructions are quite simple, and we are entirely determined to adhere to them.”
And now with the confirmation established, the September clash is becoming a real thrill, and it looks like one of the most exciting matches of the Asia Cup 2025.