October 15, 2025
Cricket fans worldwide are celebrating as India and Pakistan finally confirm a five-match T20 series, starting October 20, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the schedule today. All matches will be played in the UAE, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah hosting the games. This marks the first bilateral T20 series between the rivals since 2012.
Schedule and Venues
The series opener is set for October 20 at Dubai International Stadium. The second match shifts to Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 22. Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium will host the third game on October 25. Teams return to Dubai on October 27 for the fourth match. The final showdown is scheduled for October 29 in Sharjah. All matches start at 7:30 PM local time, with reserve days for rain delays.
Squads and Key Players
India’s squad, led by Hardik Pandya, includes star batter Virat Kohli, who averages 52.7 against Pakistan in T20s. Young opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, back from injury, add firepower. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh lead the bowling.
Pakistan, captained by Babar Azam, features explosive opener Mohammad Rizwan and finisher Iftikhar Ahmed. Shaheen Afridi’s return from a knee injury boosts their pace attack. Spinner Shadab Khan and rising star Naseem Shah are key players.
Captains Express Excitement
Hardik Pandya stated, “Facing Pakistan is always special. We’re prepared and eager to put on a show.” Babar Azam responded, “This series is crucial for fans. We aim to win, but cricket will be the real winner.”
Fan Frenzy and Broadcast Details
Tickets sold out within hours, with resale prices soaring. Fans from Europe, the US, and Asia flocked to the UAE. Hotels near stadiums are fully booked. The series will be broadcast live in 100+ countries, with Disney+ Hotstar and Willow TV streaming in India and the US, respectively.
Historical Context
Political tensions have limited India-Pakistan clashes to ICC events since 2013. Their last T20 meeting was the 2022 World Cup thriller, where Virat Kohli’s 82* led India to a last-ball win. The upcoming series revives a storied rivalry, with Pakistan leading T20 head-to-head 13-9.
Security and Diplomacy
The UAE government assured tight security, deploying extra police and drone monitors. BCCI secretary Jay Shah remarked, “Cricket bridges gaps. We hope this series fosters positive relations.” PCB’s Zaka Ashraf called it “a new chapter for cricket diplomacy.”
What to Expect
Pitch reports suggest Dubai and Abu Dhabi will favor batters, while Sharjah’s smaller boundaries promise high scores. India’s spin trio—Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Axar Patel—could challenge Pakistan’s middle order. Conversely, Shaheen and Naseem’s pace might test India’s top order early.
This series transcends sport, uniting millions and reigniting a historic rivalry. With pride, rankings, and future tour prospects at stake, every match promises edge-of-the-seat action. As October 20 approaches, the cricketing world holds its breath for what could be the most memorable India-Pakistan showdown in decades.
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