The BRICS TimesIND vs PAK Asia Cup Final: The two finalists of Asia Cup 2025 are set. India and Pakistan will lock horns in Dubai on September 28. For the very first time, both teams will battle in the Asia Cup final, making it a historic encounter.
Historic Face-off After 41 Years
The Asia Cup began in 1984, and since then, the tournament has completed 17 editions. Between 1984 and 2025, 41 years have passed, yet never before have India and Pakistan met in the grand finale. This year’s Asia Cup final will be the first time these arch-rivals face each other for the championship, making it a historic milestone in the tournament’s legacy.
The Biggest Twist of the Tournament
The tournament took a dramatic turn when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the Super-4 clash on September 25, securing its place against India in the final. From the start of this edition, fans anticipated a possible India vs Pakistan showdown, and now it is confirmed that the ultimate clash will unfold in Dubai.
India’s Track Record in Asia Cup Finals
India will play its 12th Asia Cup final this year. Out of the 11 previous appearances, India clinched the trophy eight times—in 1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023. The 2016 edition was held in the T20 format, where India also lifted the title. Along with these victories, India has been runner-up three times—in 1997, 2004, and 2008, all against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Journey
Pakistan, on the other hand, has lifted the Asia Cup trophy only twice, in 2000 and 2012. The team reached the final but finished runner-up three times, in 1986, 2014, and 2022 (T20 format). What makes this year’s final unique is that Pakistan and India have never faced each other in the championship match before.
Sri Lanka’s Stronghold in Asia Cup
Sri Lanka has been another dominant force in the tournament. The island nation won the Asia Cup six times—in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2022. The 2022 edition, like in 2016, was played in the T20 format.
Political Tensions That Affected Asia Cup
In 1986, India did not participate due to strained cricketing ties with Sri Lanka. Similarly, Pakistan boycotted the 1990–91 edition because of political disputes with India. The 1993 Asia Cup was canceled altogether due to these tensions. Later, the Asian Cricket Council decided in 2009 to hold the tournament every two years. The International Cricket Council also ruled that all Asia Cup games would be recognized as official ODIs.
