The stage is set for one of the most anticipated cricket matches of the year, as India and Pakistan will face each other for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor carried out by Indian Armed Forces against terror outfits in Pakistan. This high-voltage encounter will take place on September 14, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the Asia Cup 2025.
Despite the political and military tensions between the two nations, the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) has moved forward with the tournament schedule, awarding hosting rights to India. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially commented yet, the finalized schedule confirms India’s role as host.
Ganguly Speaks Out: “Sport Must Go On, But Terrorism Must Stop”
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly became one of the first major voices to express support for continuing sporting ties, albeit with a firm stance against terrorism. Speaking in the context of the Pahalgam attack, Ganguly emphasized that while cricket should continue, such acts of terror must come to an end.
“I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time, Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. India took a strong stance towards terrorism… Sport needs to be played,” Ganguly said in a video shared by news agency ANI, as quoted by The Indian Express.
His remarks reflect a balanced viewpoint—urging a separation of sports from politics, while not ignoring the real threats that have impacted bilateral relations.
Asia Cup 2025: A Match Beyond Cricket
India’s decision to participate in the Asia Cup 2025, especially against Pakistan, marks a significant moment in South Asian cricket diplomacy. Earlier this year, India had withdrawn from the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup that was scheduled for June in Sri Lanka, reportedly to avoid facing Pakistan. That made the upcoming men’s match even more noteworthy.
With rising tensions post-Pahalgam and the ongoing military focus under Operation Sindoor, the match on September 14 is likely to carry emotional and symbolic weight for both nations.
While fans across the globe eagerly await the clash, all eyes will also be on how both boards, players, and political entities handle the situation leading up to the game.
One thing is certain: cricket will once again serve as a mirror to the complex and layered India-Pakistan relationship. Whether it brings about a thaw or further intensifies public sentiment will depend not only on the outcome of the match but also on developments off the field.
