India and Pakistan are set to face each other on the cricket field for the first time since Operation Sindoor on September 14. The sport’s greatest rivals will clash for the first time in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament as part of the group stage fixtures.
Despite numerous appeals made by fans in India to boycott the game, the BCCI has made it clear that while India will not play Pakistan in bilateral matches, it can’t rule out participating in multi-nation tournaments.
India, the reigning champions, began their Asia Cup campaign with a dominant win against the UAE. Pakistan, under new captain Salman Ali Agha, comes off a confidence-boosting win in a tri-nation T20 series held in the UAE.
Pakistan’s recent success in the UAE, especially on spin-friendly pitches, could give the Salman Ali side an edge over their opponents. This Asia Cup marks a new era for both sides, as it will be the first edition of the tournament that does not feature cricketing stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan.
IND vs PAK: Key Batters that can change the game
For India, Captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to anchor the middle order with his aggressive, 360-degree batting approach. Vice-captain Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma present themselves as a threatening opening duo, as exhibited by their fast-paced game against the UAE on Sunday.
Tilak Varma will be crucial for accelerating the innings and building partnerships. Pakistan’s batting will rely on new faces like Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz, known for their aggressive styles and high strike rates. Seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman will be key to providing momentum at the top.
IND vs PAK: Kuldeep and Shaheen Shah Afridi present major bowling threats
India’s pace attack is spearheaded by the returning Jasprit Bumrah, expected to deliver crucial breakthroughs, supported by Arshdeep Singh. India’s spin threat includes Kuldeep Yadav, who took 5/25 against Pakistan in the previous edition of the Asia Cup and Varun Chakravarthy, both capable of exploiting the UAE conditions.
Pakistan boasts a formidable pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, who will pose a significant challenge to India’s top order. Left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, a rising star, is also expected to play a key role in the middle overs.
The match will likely hinge on the contest between Pakistan’s pace attack and India’s batting lineup.