India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship schedule revealed

DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the schedule for the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship on Friday, with arch-rivals Pakistan and India set to face each other on November 16.

Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the revamped event will run from November 14 to 23 at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The competition will consist of eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong, which will be divided into two groups of four.

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Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

According to the official schedule, Pakistan will open the tournament against Oman on November 14, while India will face the UAE later the same day.

The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is slated for November 16, followed by the semi-finals on November 21 and the final on November 23.

Unlike previous editions, the Rising Stars Championship will not include a Super Four stage.

The top two teams from each group will directly advance to the semi-finals, meaning Pakistan and India could meet a second time only if both qualify for the final.

Notably, the Test-playing nations, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, will send their ‘A’ teams, whereas UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman will participate with their full senior squads.

Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship Schedule

  • 14 November 2025: Pakistan vs Oman
  • 14 November 2025: India vs UAE
  • 15 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
  • 15 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
  • 16 November 2025: UAE vs Oman
  • 16 November 2025: India vs Pakistan
  • 17 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
  • 17 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
  • 18 November 2025: Pakistan vs UAE
  • 18 November 2025: India vs Oman
  • 19 November 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
  • 19 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
  • 21 November 2025: Semi-final 1 (A1 vs B2)
  • 21 November 2025: Semi-final 2 (B1 vs A2)
  • 23 November 2025: Final

READ: Here’s why Saudi Arabia rejected Messi’s offer to play in Pro League

India-Pakistan World Cup clash becomes most-watched women’s match in history

The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has become the most-watched women’s cricket match of all time across digital platforms, the ICC confirmed on Thursday.

The October 5 encounter, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, recorded an extraordinary 28.4 million reach and 1.87 billion total minutes viewed, setting an unprecedented global benchmark for women’s sport viewership.

According to ICC data, the India-Pakistan showdown wasn’t an isolated spike, as the entire first half of the World Cup’s league stage has witnessed record-breaking engagement across both digital and broadcast mediums.

The opening 11 matches, featuring marquee teams like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Africa, collectively reached 72 million viewers, representing a 166% surge compared to the previous edition.

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Viewing minutes soared by an astonishing 327%, totaling 6.3 billion minutes.

Even the early phase of the competition surpassed expectations, with the first 13 matches amassing over 60 million viewers, five times more than in 2022, and an aggregate 7 billion minutes of watch time, a twelve-fold increase.

While stadium attendance has been mixed, with sellout crowds for games involving India and Sri Lanka and thinner turnouts for neutral fixtures, the surge in global engagement underscores the tournament’s growing impact and popularity.

Adding to the record spree, the India vs Australia league encounter on October 12 reached 4.8 million peak concurrent viewers, setting another all-time high for women’s cricket.

READ: UAE clinch final qualifying spot for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Wasim Akram shares key advice for Shaheen Afridi ahead of India clash

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has advised Shaheen Shah Afridi to avoid predictability with the new ball during their Super Four clash against India in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Akram suggested that Afridi must be smarter with his lengths if he is to trouble Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill, who was recently dismissed by Omani pacer Shah Faisal with a late-swinging full delivery in India’s group-stage match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

“That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him,” Akram said.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“Everyone says, ‘Okay, he’ll be bowling yorkers first up.’ So Afridi needs to have a Plan B. I’m fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three in a row, because if he misses even one, it goes for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. Mixing it up with length balls is better.”

He emphasised that while Afridi’s attacking intent is clear, varying his approach will give him a better chance of success against India’s top order.

Wasim Akram also raised concerns over Pakistan’s struggles against left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who proved decisive in the previous encounter between the arch-rivals.

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“It’s just the way he (Kuldeep) bowls. They can’t read him,” Akram said.

“In the pre-show, I was talking to Sunny bhai (Sunil Gavaskar), who said, ‘Unless you can read him from the hand, you won’t understand that type of bowling.’ When Pakistan’s batters keep sweeping against Kuldeep every second ball, it shows they are not reading him.”

Pakistan will be looking to bounce back after their seven-wicket defeat to India at the same venue last week, where Shaheen Afridi managed a useful cameo with the bat but went wicketless, conceding 23 runs in just two overs.

READ: Gavaskar slams Pakistan for skipping press conference ahead of India clash

Pakistan to face India in London as FIH Pro League schedule announced

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the official schedule for the upcoming season of the Pro League, with arch-rivals Pakistan and India clashing in June next year.

The Pakistan hockey team secured their place in the Pro League after New Zealand, winners of the 2024–25 Nations Cup, declined their spot.

As runners-up, Pakistan were extended an invitation by FIH, which they accepted following financial backing from the government.

“FIH can confirm that the Pakistan men’s hockey team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, have accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” the federation said in a statement.

The seventh edition of the competition will feature nine teams: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, and Pakistan, with Ireland relegated after finishing bottom last season.

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The highlight of the season will undoubtedly be the clash between Pakistan and arch-rivals India, set to take place in London on June 23 and 26, 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign in Rosario, Argentina, where they face the Netherlands on December 10, followed by hosts Argentina on December 12. The Green Shirts will play 16 matches in total across four international legs.

Their second assignment takes them to Hobart, Australia, in February, where they go head-to-head with the hosts and Germany.

In June, Pakistan will feature in the European leg of the tournament with fixtures against Belgium and Spain in Wavre, before moving to London for the final round against England and India.

Pakistan’s FIH Pro League Schedule

December 2025 – Rosario, Argentina

Dec 10: Netherlands vs Pakistan (03:00)

Dec 12: Argentina vs Pakistan (03:00)

Dec 13: Pakistan vs Netherlands (03:00)

Dec 15: Argentina vs Pakistan (03:00)

February 2026 – Hobart, Australia

Feb 10: Australia vs Pakistan (11:00)

Feb 11: Pakistan vs Germany (13:30)

Feb 13: Australia vs Pakistan (11:00)

Feb 14: Germany vs Pakistan (10:00)

June 2026 – Wavre, Belgium

Jun 13: Belgium vs Pakistan (18:30)

Jun 14: Pakistan vs Spain (18:30)

Jun 19: Belgium vs Pakistan (00:00)

Jun 20: Spain vs Pakistan (18:30)

June 2026 – London, UK

Jun 23: Pakistan vs India (18:30)

Jun 24: England vs Pakistan (17:30)

Jun 26: India vs Pakistan (22:00)

Jun 27: England vs Pakistan (20:00)

READ: Suryakumar Yadav will not collect Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

ACC President Naqvi comments on India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan

DUBAI: Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi voiced his disappointment after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

In the high-octane Asia Cup clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India, chasing 128, wrapped up the contest in the 16th over with captain Suryakumar Yadav clearing the ropes for the winning runs.

Yadav and Shivam Dube exchanged fist bumps before heading straight to the dressing room, bypassing the customary handshake with Pakistan players..

After the match, Mohsin Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) and called out the lack of sportsmanship, stressing that politics should not overshadow the spirit of cricket.

“Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” he wrote.

pakistan-manager-protests-over-india-behaviour

While Pakistan players waited for the traditional gesture, the Indian side avoided any interaction, drawing a stern response from the PCB.

Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema formally lodged a protest over what he termed “inappropriate behaviour.”

“Indian players’ refusal to shake hands is against sportsmanship,” Cheema said in a PCB statement.

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Adding to the controversy, Cheema also questioned match referee Andy Pycroft’s instruction for captains to avoid handshakes at the toss, calling it against cricket’s spirit.

In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation, breaking away from the usual practice of captains reflecting on the game.

READ: Pakistan team manager protests over India’s ‘unsporting’ behaviour

Pakistan team manager protests over India’s ‘unsporting’ behaviour

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally protested against what it termed India’s “inappropriate behaviour” during the ACC Asia Cup 2025 clash, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed on Sunday.

The fixture, already played under tense circumstances, witnessed unusual scenes right from the toss, where both captains skipped the customary handshake on the instructions of match referee Andy Pycroft, a directive Pakistan deemed contrary to cricket’s spirit of sportsmanship.

Tensions escalated further after India’s victory.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who struck the winning runs, celebrated with teammate Shivam Dube before both walked straight to the dressing room.

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While the Indian players congratulated each other inside the dugout, they refrained from acknowledging or shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistan’s players, meanwhile, waited for the post-match customary handshake, only to see the Indian side retreat and shut their dressing room doors.

Cheema lodged an official protest, stating: “Indian players’ refusal to shake hands is against sportsmanship.” He also raised questions over Pycroft’s handling of the situation at the toss.

In a symbolic response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, a traditional segment where skippers from both sides reflect on the contest.

READ: Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason behind no handshake in India-Pakistan clash

Asia Cup 2025: Key update on Pakistan’s Playing XI ahead of India clash

DUBAI: Pakistan team management reportedly plans to keep the same playing XI for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match against arch-rivals India.

Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 with a thumping victory against Oman.

According to team sources, selectors and management have agreed to stick with the winning combination that helped Pakistan seal a commanding victory in their opening fixture.

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The only potential change they might make is including fast bowler Haris Rauf in the lineup.

The final decision regarding his inclusion will be made after evaluating the pitch conditions at the Dubai International Stadium later today.

Likely Playing XI of Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, skipper Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

It’s worth noting that the hype surrounding the fixture is at its peak, with both sides entering the contest in strong form.

Just like Pakistan, India also kicked off their campaign on high after bowling out the UAE for just 57 runs before racing to the target in 4.3 overs.

In head-to-head T20I history, India hold the edge with 10 wins in 13 encounters.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Shoaib Malik shares key advice for Pakistan ahead of India clash

Pakistan Women’s team sends best wishes to Men ahead of India clash

Members of the Pakistan women’s team and coaching staff have extended their heartfelt support and best wishes to the men’s side ahead of the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against India.

Head coach of the women’s team, Mohammad Wasim, expressed confidence in the Green Shirts, noting the positives from their recent tri-nation series.

“Pakistan played some really good cricket in the tri-series, and I am hopeful they will deliver against India as well,” he said. “We are eagerly waiting for this big game and wish the boys the very best.”

All-rounder Aliya Riaz encouraged the men’s team to play with spirit and pride.

“Best of luck to the boys’ team, play well and make the nation proud,” she said.

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Top-order batter Iram Fatima also shared her support and extended her best wishes.

“Our best wishes and prayers are with Pakistan. We hope the players perform well and come out on top,” she stated.

Meanwhile, experienced campaigner Natalia Pervaiz also echoed similar sentiments.

“We have full confidence that the Pakistan team will showcase their best cricket in this crucial match,” she said.

The hype surrounding the fixture is at its peak, with both sides entering the contest in strong form.

India bowled out hosts UAE for just 57 runs before racing to the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan posted 160-7 and dismissed Oman for 67 in 16.4 overs.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

In head-to-head T20I history, India hold the edge with 10 wins in 13 encounters.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Dubai Police issue strict advisory ahead of Pakistan-India clash

India-Pakistan Asia Cup tickets see price cut after slow sales

DUBAI: Organisers have reduced ticket prices for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

Despite the global hype and heightened anticipation fueled by recent cross-border tensions, tickets for the marquee encounter remain widely available.

The organisers were prompted to lower prices after receiving complaints from fans over steep costs.

Standard tickets, originally priced at 475 dirhams, have now been reduced to 350 dirhams.

Meanwhile, premium enclosures remain the slowest to sell, with a significant number of seats still unsold less than a week before the high-voltage contest.

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Officials admitted they were surprised at the slower-than-expected demand for a fixture that has historically drawn massive crowds and global attention.

On the field, India head into the clash in fine form after dismantling the UAE in their opening match.

The Men in Blue bowled out the hosts for just 57 runs before cruising to victory by nine wickets in just 4.3 overs.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will launch their campaign against Oman at the same venue on Friday before turning their focus to the arch-rival showdown.

India and Pakistan have locked horns 13 times in T20Is, with India dominating the rivalry with 10 wins compared to Pakistan’s three.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Salman Ali Agha faces injury scare ahead of Asia Cup opener

India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup 2025 schedule unveiled

DUBAI: Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are set to face off on September 14 in the highly anticipated clash of the Asia Cup 2025, as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) unveiled the full schedule of the tournament on Saturday.

The upcoming edition of the continental tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and played in the T20 format, serving as a key build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

For the unversed, the Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams, up from six in the previous edition.

Alongside full-member nations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, three teams from the ACC Premier Cup, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, have qualified for the main event.

The tournament kicks off on September 9 with a curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

A total of 19 matches will be played, with the final scheduled for Sunday, September 28.

Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The Men in Green will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the marquee clash against India on September 14.

Their final group-stage match will be against hosts UAE on September 17.

Should both teams qualify, Pakistan and India could meet again in the Super Four stage on September 21, a potential second showdown between the arch-rivals.

The top two teams from the Super Four will then progress to the final.

ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule

Group Stage:

  • Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
  • Sep 10: India vs UAE
  • Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
  • Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
  • Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
  • Sep 14: India vs Pakistan
  • Sep 15: UAE vs Oman
  • Sep 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
  • Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
  • Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
  • Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
  • Sep 19: India vs Oman

Super Four Stage:

  • Sep 20: B1 vs B2
  • Sep 21: A1 vs A2
  • Sep 23: A2 vs B1
  • Sep 24: A1 vs B2
  • Sep 25: A2 vs B2
  • Sep 26: A1 vs B1

Final: Sep 28

READ: ACC president Mohsin Naqvi reveals dates for Asia Cup 2025

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