Asia Cup in the UAE: An icebreaker for India and Pakistan

With the borders between India and Pakistan shut and diplomatic ties frozen, the UAE has once again stepped up as cricket’s trusted neutral venue, aiming to stage the Asia Cup in September. Beyond the high-voltage contests between the two fierce rivals, stadiums, malls, restaurants and tourist attractions are set to buzz with South Asian fans, reinforcing why the Emirates continues to reign as the region’s cultural and tourism bridge.

Following an intense four-day armed conflict between the nuclear neighbors in May, relations hit a new low: political dialogue stalled, cultural exchanges vanished, and travel ties were severed. There were initial fears that the teams of both countries wouldn’t get the nod to play each other in the Twenty20 spectacle, but those concerns have since been laid to rest by their cricket boards. The next hurdle was whether Pakistan would allow its team to travel to India, the tournament’s official host. After much deliberation, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) agreed that the event simply cannot be staged without both heavyweights. That’s when the proposal for a neutral venue was floated, with the UAE emerging as the frontrunner to host it once more.

The UAE’s reputation as a reliable stage for high-stakes cricket wasn’t built overnight. Over the years, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have become second homes for tournaments that couldn’t be staged back home, either due to security concerns, diplomatic tensions, or an unexpected crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. From hosting an entire edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to providing a safe base for Pakistan’s ‘home’ series when visiting teams stayed away, and staging the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the UAE has earned its place as the region’s sporting hub. It is backed by world-class infrastructure, smooth logistics and legendary hospitality that players and fans trust every time.

Alongside India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the UAE, Oman and Hong Kong will also feature in the marquee event. The India-Pakistan rivalry alone will draw thousands of passionate fans from both sides of the border and beyond. The roar of the crowd when India locks horns with Pakistan is unmatched, but even more remarkable is how the UAE’s stadiums, streets and fan zones transform into a living mosaic of languages, colors and shared passion. This is amplified by the large expatriate communities who bring the spirit and voices of their homelands to the stands, making every match feel like home turf for both sides.

Beyond the economic boost, moments like these demonstrate how the UAE’s trusted status can ease divides that politics simply cannot.

Usama Rasheed

Away from the stadiums, the excitement spills deep into the cities – from desert safaris to shopping, theme parks to beach resorts. Restaurants will serve everything from biryani to vada pav, while souks and malls will bustle with fans picking up jerseys, flags and souvenirs. This sporting festival promises a tourism surge, filling the local scene with a vibrant atmosphere. Airlines will see packed flights, hotels will report high occupancy rates, and match-day excitement will light up cafes and fan zones where thousands gather to catch the action.

Beyond the economic boost, moments like these demonstrate how the UAE’s trusted status can ease divides that politics simply cannot. When stands fill with rival flags but fans sit side by side, it proves how sport can build common ground where governments fall short.

Throughout the tournament, India and Pakistan could meet up to three times: a group match, a Super Fours clash, and possibly a blockbuster final on September 21, making this edition one of the most watched ever. Earlier this year, the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan was run on a hybrid model, with India playing its games in the UAE – a move that helped ease tensions and further cemented the Emirates’ reliability.

This time around, while India is the official host, ongoing political tensions pushed the ACC to revisit the same plan adopted for the 2023 Asia Cup. Though Sri Lanka was considered, heavy monsoon rains on the island in September made the UAE the safer, more dependable option. Unlike last time, when India played only in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted the rest, the entire Asia Cup 2025 could now unfold exclusively across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Keeping the entire tournament in the UAE would also mean teams stay in one place, avoid grueling travel between matches, and enjoy a fairer playing field. Players and staff benefit from shorter commutes, familiar venues and consistent match conditions – all factors that can make a real difference in a tournament packed into nearly three weeks of high-stakes cricket.

- The writer is an independent journalist. His X handle is @Leafturner_14