September 14, 2025, will mark the beginning of a new phase of exciting sports rivalry between India and Pakistan as the cricket teams of the two traditional rivals and neighbors clash in their opening game of the Asia Cup in Dubai.
Since both India and Pakistan insist that all their ICC games be played at neutral venues, they will also meet at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo.
Beyond cricket, India-Pakistan encounters in hockey are also watched with tremendous global interest. Pakistan did not participate in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.
While Pakistan Junior Men are drawn to play in the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai in November–December, questions remain about their participation in Tamil Nadu. In another match, Australia will face New Zealand.
However, both India and Pakistan junior hockey teams are scheduled to meet in the 12th edition of the Sultan of Johor Hockey Tournament in October.
The six-nation Sultan of Johor tournament also features Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Great Britain. India begins its campaign on October 11 against Great Britain, while Pakistan plays host Malaysia in the second match of the opening day.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash will be held on October 14 after a rest day. The Sultan of Johor event regularly brings together some of the best junior teams. Pakistan has never won the tournament, while India won titles in 2013, 2014, and 2022, and finished runners-up in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2019.
India also secured bronze in the last edition. Pakistan’s best performance came in 2018 when it finished as runners-up. The team placed fourth in 2012, 2013, and 2023.
The Sultan of Johor event will serve as an important warm-up before the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu.
