Mumbai, September 6, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday clarified its position on India’s Asia Cup 2025 fixture against Pakistan, stressing that the board strictly adheres to the central government’s policy and that there is no restriction on competing in multinational tournaments.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking to Indian media, addressed criticism and speculation surrounding the high-profile clash.
“The new policy clearly states that there is no restriction on playing against countries with which India does not maintain friendly relations,” Saikia explained. “So far as the BCCI is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Therefore, India must play all matches in any multinational tournament.”
He reiterated that while bilateral cricket with “hostile nations” remains off the table, India is obligated to compete against all participating countries in ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.
“We are very happy to follow the policy, which has been carefully designed for cricket and all other sports. Refusing to play in such events could even invite sanctions,” he warned.
The 15th edition of the men’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20I format, featuring eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.
India, placed in Group A alongside hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Oman, will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai, face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue, and conclude the group stage against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the final scheduled for September 28.
