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India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is all set to ignite the Asia Cup 2025 as the highly anticipated match on September 14 in Dubai receives official sanctioning from the Indian government.

 

The Sports Ministry, on Thursday, released a new policy that states India's position on sporting relations with Pakistan. The policy reaffirms that bilateral cricketing relations remain frozen but India will still play Pakistan in multilateral competitions such as the Asia Cup and ICC World Cups.

 

Government's Stand: Bilateral Frozen, Multilateral Open

 

As per news agency PTI, the new policy comes into effect now and makes official what has been India's stance all along on cricketing relations with Pakistan.

 

The ministry clarified:

 

"In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India."

 

What this implies is that no bilateral series are on the agenda, but multilateral competitions, either played overseas or in India, will witness India and Pakistan confront each other.

 

The policy also brought in a streamlined visa allocation process to position India as a "preferred destination" for international sporting events, bolstering its position as a global cricket hub.

 

Also Read | Asia Cup 2025: India Legend Speaks on IND vs PAK Clash, Awaits Govt Advice

 

Why India vs Pakistan Match Matters 

 

India and Pakistan have been positioned in Group A of the Asia Cup. The structure means there are several meetings between the age-old rivals: once during the group stage, perhaps again in the Super Four, and even for the final, with the potential for three India-Pakistan games within days.

 

For the broadcasters and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the games are a money-spinning affair, given that India-Pakistan matches always attract record-breaking viewers. Further, the money goes towards funding a number of grassroots cricket initiatives throughout Asia.

 

Notwithstanding, the move has not been without its critics. After the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, several voices, including India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, were against cricketing interactions with Pakistan.

 

Underlining that national interest and diplomacy are what inform the choices, the ministry said:

 

"India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country."

 

Cricket, Politics, and Public Sentiment

 

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is as much about politics as it is about sport; indeed, often more. Though multilateral battles will remain, the lack of bilateral series means a vacuum is left for those who have grown up knowing Test and ODI series between the two countries.

 

But as the Asia Cup draws near, excitement is mounting. For all the complications, every India-Pakistan matchup is still the world's most-watched cricket fixture, a combination of sport, drama, and patriotic sentiment.

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