Dubai: Three times in 21 days. One of sport’s fiercest rivalries could take centre stage like never before..Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill confident as India face Pakistan in high-stakes game.India and Pakistan are on course to clash up to three times at the Asia Cup 2025, with the UAE likely to host all matches in a blockbuster 17-day tournament. According to media reports, the much-anticipated continental event is expected to begin on September 5 — and the calendar is already circling September 7, 14 and 21..The group stage match between India and Pakistan is pencilled in for September 7, the Super Fours clash on September 14, and if both teams make it through, the final on September 21..While India are the official hosts, rising political tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack pushed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to revisit the hybrid hosting model — the same arrangement used during the 2023 Asia Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy..A Times of India report says all six participating nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and UAE — are close to securing clearances from their respective governments. The tournament is set to follow the group stage and Super Fours format and will be played in the T20 format..UAE likely to host entire event.Though Sri Lanka was considered as an alternate venue, heavy monsoon rains in September, averaging 200—300mm, have made the UAE a safer and more reliable option. Unlike the 2023 edition — where India played exclusively in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted the rest — the entire Asia Cup 2025 could now take place across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah..A source confirmed: “UAE are one of the front-runners to host the Asia Cup, along with Sri Lanka. But with weather risks on the island, the UAE looks like a safer bet.”.The 2023 edition, played in the ODI format ahead of the World Cup, was split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka after India declined to travel. Earlier this year, during the Champions Trophy, India’s matches — including the final — were staged in the UAE under similar conditions. The 2025 edition may set the tone for bigger ICC events ahead, including the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026..Broadcasters apply pressure.Even as promotional teasers have rolled out, with official broadcaster Sony releasing early posters, the official schedule is still pending, causing friction among sponsors and commercial partners.According to an internal memo accessed by India Today, the ACC raised concerns about revenue loss and activation delays: “In the absence of this information, their ability to plan effectively, allocate resources, and execute their campaigns is significantly constrained. Both Sony and our sponsorship partner TCM have expressed apprehension that any further delays could lead to missed commercial opportunities — losses that may be irrecoverable due to scheduling constraints and limited lead time.”.The ACC has urged the BCCI to confirm venue details immediately, as India’s participation is central to the draw. A Cricbuzz report suggests the schedule will be released in the first week of July, subject to final government approvals..Political standoff nearly derailed tournament.The tournament was nearly scrapped after the Pahalgam attack, which prompted a hardening of political positions between India and Pakistan. Early reports suggested that India might withdraw altogether..But BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the speculation: “There is no truth to such reports. There has been no discussion of any sort."Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women.”.Ultimately, the Champions Trophy hybrid model’s success helped cool tensions, paving the way for another neutral-venue solution. If confirmed, the UAE will once again host one of world cricket’s most high-voltage contests — potentially three times in three weeks..Cricket’s biggest rivalry, bigger than ever.The India vs Pakistan rivalry remains the most valuable fixture in the sport — dominating ratings, filling stadiums, and commanding the highest commercial interest. Three possible meetings in such a short span is a dream scenario for sponsors, broadcasters and fans..Despite recent diplomatic flare-ups, the signs are now positive. Promotional activity has resumed, and commercial stakeholders are preparing for what could be the biggest edition of the Asia Cup yet..All that’s missing now is the green light — and if reports hold, it could come in the next few days..IPL 2025: Why Shreyas Iyer got angry and cried during Champions Trophy in Dubai.India’s Champions Trophy glory sparks grand celebrations in Dubai.Indian skipper Rohit Sharma: I am not retiring.Ravindra Jadeja puts retirement rumours to rest after Champions Trophy victory