Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has voiced his surprise over the decision to go ahead with the high-stakes India-Pakistan match in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military response by Indian forces.

India are set to open its Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai. The final group-stage fixture will be played against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking on the political and emotional sensitivity of the fixture, Tiwary said he was `shocked` to learn that the India-Pakistan match is still scheduled, despite heightened tensions between the two countries.