Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has stirred headlines by saying he hopes India decides not to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, fearing a heavy defeat for his former side.

India and Pakistan are set to meet in the group stage on September 14 in Dubai and could face each other again in the Super Four on September 21, and once more in the final if both teams progress. That means cricket fans could witness up to three India–Pakistan clashes in the tournament.

Speaking on The Game Plan YouTube channel, Basit expressed concern after Pakistan’s recent poor form, including a crushing 202-run loss to the West Indies in the final ODI of their series.

“I pray India refuses to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, just like they did in the World Championships of Legends,” Basit said. “Itni buri tarah maarenge na vo, ki aap soch nahi payenge (They will beat us so badly you can’t even imagine).”

He also highlighted the emotional stakes of the fixture, saying a defeat to India sparks far greater outrage in Pakistan than losses to other teams. “If we lose to Afghanistan, no one would care much. But everyone goes mad the moment you lose to India,” he added.

Earlier this year, India declined to play Pakistan in two matches at the World Championship of Legends, a decision that generated significant debate online. Despite political tensions — heightened by the April terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people — the Asia Cup schedule has placed the two rivals in the same group.

India will open its campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If they advance, they will also face Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.

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