Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Sep 13: Former India skipper Kapil Dev has extended his best wishes to Team India for their high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Pakistan, set for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This will be the first India–Pakistan international match since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Despite opposition demands to boycott the fixture, the Centre granted its nod for India to participate in the multi-nation tournament.

“We wish that India wins… Good luck! Let Team India win. The bottom line is that all the players represent India,” Kapil Dev told the media while expressing confidence in the team.

Last month, the central government revised its policy on sporting events involving Pakistan, allowing Indian athletes to compete against Pakistani players only in multinational tournaments while maintaining a ban on bilateral contests.

India opened their campaign with a commanding nine-wicket win over the UAE on Wednesday. Following the Pakistan clash, they will face Oman in their final group-stage match on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 4 stage, scheduled from September 20 to 26. Dubai will host the tournament final on September 28.