Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan Train Side-by-Side in Dubai Ahead of High-Stakes Clash
India and Pakistan crossed paths at the ICC Academy in Dubai as they trained side-by-side ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14, the first meeting since the Pahalgam terror attack.
India and Pakistan players trained at the ICC Academy in Dubai on September 6, just days before their high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash.
The countdown to the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan has officially started. On Saturday, September 6, both teams met in person for the first time in Dubai, training concurrently at the ICC Academy with just one week until the September 14 Group A match.
Teams Meet in Dubai
India held their second training session since coming to the UAE, according to ESPNcricinfo. Before the all-rounders took over, the specialist batters had long stretches during the three-hour practice. As they got ready for their tri-series final matchup with Afghanistan, which is set for Sunday in Sharjah, Pakistan arrived at the ICC Academy at 7:00 AM local time.
Players from both camps remained focused on their routines despite sharing the venue; no greetings or conversations were seen.
tense backdrop for the Asia Cup match
The September 14 match is particularly significant because it is the first time India and Pakistan have faced each other in international cricket since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. For months, there were doubts about India's involvement, but the BCCI affirmed that the team would carry out its responsibilities under the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournament mandates.
In his remarks, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasised that although India will not play Pakistan in a bilateral series, boycotts are not tolerated in international competitions.
“If India boycotts such tournaments, whether cricket or any other global sporting event, sanctions could follow against our federations. So we have to play,” Saikia said.
Possible Multiple India-Pakistan Encounters
The Group A clash in Dubai could be the first of up to three potential meetings between the two sides, depending on how the tournament unfolds. With emotions already running high, the September 14 match is set to be one of the most-watched encounters of the Asia Cup.
