Revealed- Why BCCI Agreed To Play India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?

The nod for the 2036 Olympics has been revealed as the main reason behind the BCCI agreeing to the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup and other forthcoming events in the future.

A major controversy erupted between neighbouring nations and archrivals India and Pakistan, as the political tensions between the two nations also affected their sporting relations.

Pakistan and India have not featured in any bilateral matches for over a decade in international cricket; the two teams only meet in multi-team tournament matches.

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As a aftermath of the terror attack in the Pahalgam valley, India was against playing Pakistan in any of the upcoming events to be held by the ICC or the ACC. There was also much delay over any formal decisions on the proceedings of the Asia Cup due to this dilemma.

However, after the ACC meeting, it was confirmed that the Asia Cup 2025 will be held and hosted by India in a neutral venue. The BCCI had to face immense public outrage and criticism for its move.

Olympic 2036—The real reason behind BCCI's approval for India vs Pakistan Matches

The schedule for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 was announced on the 26th of July, Saturday. However, it has been a major shock for the Indian cricket fans, since, according to social media claims, the BCCI had ignored the loss of innocent lives and had agreed to the India vs Pakistan match due to the large amount of money involved.

The India vs Pakistan match has been scheduled for the 14th of September. The two archrivals have been placed in the same group alongside the UAE and Oman. As per the rules, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4, which can raise the possibility of another India vs Pakistan match.

The final is also a possibility where the two teams clash for the third time, if these two greatest Asian teams can qualify for the final match.

The BCCI faced immense criticism, but now reports from Cricbuzz have revealed that India's bid to host the 2026 Olympics is the main reason behind the decision to be made in association with the Indian government.

That report also claims that India has to adopt an accommodating approach towards sporting events in order to be the host for the Olympic Games. As per the Olympic Charter's Rule 44, no country can be barred from participation in competitions based on race, religion, or political reasons.

India's 2036 Olympic Bid Behind BCCI's Controversial Asia Cup Call As Stage Set For Triple Pakistan Clash#AsiaCup #INDVSPAKhttps://t.co/jmCroIqujj

— Times Now Sports (@timesnowsports) July 27, 2025

Host India to schedule the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE

India will be featured in the 2025 Asia Cup and will play in the India vs Pakistan match as well, but despite being the host, the games are not scheduled to be played in the nation. The tournament is scheduled to be held from 9th September to 28th September in the UAE.

Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the member nations' officials decided on the possible venue for the upcoming continental championship. Keeping in mind the next year's T20 World Cup, the Asia Cup will be played in the shortest format as well.

Though India remains the official host, the matches will be played in the UAE as a part of an agreement between the India and Pakistan Cricket Boards, where they will play on neutral venues for three years.

With the India vs Pakistan match being a very lucrative fixture and chances of several meetings, the BCCI called for the UAE as a neutral venue.

Pakistan to travel to India for the ICC tournament

The Indian vs Pakistan women's match is also scheduled later this year in the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup, which is also scheduled to be held in India. They will then play in the Women's T20 World Cup as well in 2026.

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