India and Pakistan will clash in Dubai on September 14 in Asia Cup 2025.
Given the tense political ties between India and Pakistan, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, there has been a recurrent discussion since the Asia Cup schedule was revealed on whether the two countries should play cricket together.
However, the BCCI has insisted that it is constrained by the central government's policy, which forbids bilateral series with Pakistan but allows participation in international competitions.
Kapil Dev urged people to avoid making it a big issue, stating that "the government will do its job, and the players should do theirs."
"Just go and win. Those whose job is to play should just focus on playing—there's no need to say anything else. Don't make this a big issue. The government will do its job, and the players should do theirs,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by IANS.
Political tensions and security concerns have prevented cricketing exchanges between India and Pakistan since their last bilateral series in 2012–13. These days, they only meet during ICC and ACC competitions.
The 17th Asia Cup began on September 9 and is officially being hosted by India. However, both teams have avoided playing on each other's territory because of the continuous hostilities between the two neighboring nations. Consequently, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the host cities for the event, which is being held in the United Arab Emirates.
India defeated the UAE in their first game in the 2025 Asia Cup by 9 wickets. India bowled UAE out for 57 and then chased down the target in 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was named the Player of the Match for his 4/7, while Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat, scoring 30 in 16 balls.
Reacting to India's win in the opener, Kapil Dev said, "The team is very good and has secured an impressive victory. We hope they bring the trophy home."
After facing Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, India will face Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi in their final Group A game.