The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is set for its next chapter at the Asia Cup 2025, with a match scheduled for September 14 in Abu Dhabi. Virender Sehwag has spoken about the significance of this contest.
Sehwag revealed that losing to Pakistan would severely impact his temperament.
Sehwag played 42 matches against Pakistan, maintaining a high average. Despite his personal success, India didn’t always win. Sehwag vividly remembers the emotional toll of those defeats.
During India’s 2008 tour of Pakistan, Sehwag played a memorable innings in Karachi. He scored 119 runs off 95 balls, leading India to victory. What made it even more remarkable was that he was fasting that day.
India and Pakistan are in Group A of the Asia Cup 2025, alongside UAE and Oman. India’s campaign begins on September 10 against UAE, followed by the Pakistan match on September 14. The group stage concludes with a game against Oman on September 19, all in Abu Dhabi. This rivalry transcends the sport. For players like Sehwag, these matches are deeply felt.
With new stars emerging, the rivalry is as intense as ever. The stories from past players highlight why this fixture is so special.