Twitter explodes as India and Pakistan get set for Asia Cup clash

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will square off in the UAE in the 14th edition of the Asia Cup after being drawn in the same group for the biennial event, the ICC announced on Tuesday.

This will be the first time that Asia's arch-rivals will meet in the Emirates in 12 years, since the two squared off in a 2-match bilateral series in 2006.

Five teams namely Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and defending champions India have earned a direct entry into the group stages where they'll be joined by one of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Singapore and hosts UAE. Group A consists of India, Pakistan and the qualifier while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

India will face Pakistan on the 19th of September. The top two teams from both groups will qualify for the Super 4 stage where they'll face each other once. The final will be played on the 28th of September, 2018.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in India but political tensions with Pakistan forced it to be moved to the UAE. The UAE Cricket Board will rent out the stadium with India to serve as the "official hosts".

India won the last Asia Cup, defeating hosts Bangladesh by eight wickets to clinch their sixth title.

Asia Cup 2018 full schedule

Group Stage

15th September - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Dubai)

16th September - Pakistan vs Qualifier (Dubai)

17th September - Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi)

18th September - India vs Qualifier (Dubai)

19th September - India vs Pakistan (Dubai)

20th September - Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)

Super Four

21st September - Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (Dubai)

21st September - Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

23rd September - Group A Winner vs Group A Runner-up (Dubai)

23rd September - Group B Winner vs Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

25th September - Group A Winner vs Group B Winner (Dubai)

26th September - Group A Runner-up vs Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

28th September - Asia Cup 2018 Final (Dubai)

Here's how Twitter reacted to the announcement of the Indo-Pak clash in the 2018 Asia Cup:

Meanwhile #Pakistan Is Updating Expiry Date Of TV Sets To 19th September 2018. #INDvPAK #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/0Q1Ge7bC1l

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) July 24, 2018

Couldn’t have asked for a better birthday 🎁 #IndvPak #CantWait #AsiaCup @StarSportsIndia https://t.co/1leMpoXUMb

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 24, 2018

Mark Your Calendar. India Vs Pakistan On 19th September, In Asia Cup 2018.India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh And Afghanistan Are Confirmed Participants, Remaining Spot To Be Filled By One Among UAE, Singapore, Oman, Nepal, Malaysia And Hong Kong. #AsiaCup #INDvPAK #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/sPBwFI1D7h

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) July 24, 2018

Old Days💖Look at That Poster😅#INDvPAK@SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/5jSl5p2wjB

— Shebas Tendulkar (@ShebasTendulkar) July 24, 2018

If Imran Khan becomes PM I am sure there will be fruitful discussions with india on playing Bilateral Cricket series.🏏 #INDvPAK

— Aqeel (@AqeelSays_) July 24, 2018

Guess what Star Sports is celebrating! 😀😀😀Champions Trophy 2017#INDvPAK (The wrong game) pic.twitter.com/RXnYXLF1y3

— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) July 16, 2018

When you come to know that next you are facing Amir & Junaid in Asia Cup..!#ENGvIND #ZIMvPAK #kholi #indvpak pic.twitter.com/H7yJHbsOcP

— Sheheryar Javed (@Sherijaved1) July 18, 2018

Mike Hussey's advice to Indian bowlers: Take pace off ball to tackle Fakhar Zaman in Asia Cup. #Cricket #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/MzBmo02Of5

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) July 25, 2018