'India are not going to play Pakistan...': Arun Dhumal drops bomb ahead of blockbuster Asia Cup clash

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has opened up about the match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Arun Dhumal stated that India’s cricket ties with Pakistan remain limited to multi-nation tournaments and added that the BCCI will continue to follow government directives.

The India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup has sparked controversy due to tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Government Has Clarified Its Position - IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal

The BCCI has come under criticism for going ahead with the Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan. Former Indian cricketers like Harbhajan Singh suggested that bilateral cricket should not be played until diplomatic relations improve.

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At the Playcom Business of Sports Summit 2025, Arun Dhumal said that India will face Pakistan only in multi-nation tournaments like ACC and ICC events.

"I would like to wish Team India all the best. I think the government has clarified its position. We are not going to play Pakistan, but we are going to play them in ACC/ICC events. So we will follow what the government says," Dhumal stated.

In 2-3 Weeks, You Will Get to Know That - Arun Dhumal

Arun Dhumal also confirmed that the process to secure a new sponsor for Team India has begun. Dhumal added that an update is expected within the next two to three weeks.

"We have started the ball rolling as far as finding a new sponsor is concerned, and in 2-3 weeks, you will get to know that."

The Indian cricket team is playing the Asia Cup without a lead sponsor following Dream11’s withdrawal. The company exited after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which restricts real-money gaming.

Dream11 signed a contract with the BCCI at $44 million (approximately ₹358 crore) and was originally set to continue until 2026. However, it included an exit clause allowing the company to terminate the deal in case of regulatory changes.

Notably, the BCCI has initiated the process to find a new sponsor. The deadline for the invitation of interest is September 12, while bid submissions must be completed by September 16.

India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Tickets Yet to Sell Out

A large number of tickets for the India-Pakistan match remain unsold even more than ten days after going on sale. This is surprising given the attention and excitement that typically surrounds contests between these arch-rivals.

During the Champions Trophy 2025 at the same venue, all tickets were snapped up in less than four minutes. As of the night of September 11, tickets were still available for almost half of the stands at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Premium tickets for the match are priced at USD 4,534, approximately ₹4 lakh, while other seats start at USD 99. The slower sales have generated discussions, given the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan.

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