Amid Asia Cup controversy, Dinesh Karthik-led India pooled in same group as Pakistan in popular cricket tournament

Amid Asia Cup controversy, Dinesh Karthik-led India pooled in same group as Pakistan in popular cricket tournament

Arch rivals India and Pakistan will play cricket against one another again amidst the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 drama. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the forthcoming Hong Kong Sixes competition, which will be played between November 7-9.

During the controversial Asia Cup, India faced Pakistan three times, including in the finals that Suryakumar Yadav and Co. won by five wickets. The showdowns were characterised by angry exchanges, such as refusal to shake hands, contentious gestures, and declining to receive the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

And in the Hong Kong Sixes, the bitter rivals have once again been placed in the same pool. In addition, Team Kuwait are also clubbed in the same group.

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Twelve teams are competing in the Hong Kong Sixes, a six-a-side competition. Dinesh Karthik, a former batsman and wicketkeeper, will captain India. In addition to him, the team also includes former all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin.

Leading Team India at the Hong Kong Sixes, a competition with such a long history and widespread renown, is an immense honor, according to Dinesh Karthik. "I look forward to leading a group of players who have such incredible records to their credit, and together we will aim to bring joy to the fans and play cricket that is both fearless and entertaining."

The three-day event will include participation from South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal, Australia, England, the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Sixes is a six-overs-per-side competition. All players, with the exception of the wicketkeeper, must bowl at least one over, and only one player is allowed to bowl two overs in a row.