With the Asia Cup 2025 set to kick off on September 9 in the UAE, Team India finds itself at a strategic crossroads. The marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 looms large, and selectors are under pressure to craft a squad that balances experience, form, and tactical depth.
India vs Pakistan: The Stakes
The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most intense in world cricket. This year’s clash is scheduled for September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams are in Group A, and could potentially face off up to three times — in the group stage, Super Four, and the final.
Selection Dilemmas
- Form vs Legacy: Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring experience, but rising stars like Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal are pushing for spots.
- Bowling Balance: With Jasprit Bumrah recovering from injury, selectors must choose between raw pace (Umran Malik) and control (Mohammed Siraj).
- Spin Conundrum: Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round ability is vital, but Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi offer wicket-taking flair in T20s.
Expert Opinions & Controversies
Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh have called for India to boycott matches against Pakistan due to political tensions. Meanwhile, ex-Pakistan player Basit Ali provocatively claimed India should forfeit the match to avoid “humiliation”.
Despite the noise, BCCI has confirmed India’s participation, and the team is expected to play all its matches in Dubai.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
- IND vs UAE – September 10
- IND vs Pakistan – September 14
- IND vs Oman – September 19
- Super Four Stage – September 21–26
- Final – September 28
