KEY POINTS
- Sunday’s Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dubai marks their first meeting since a military standoff in May 2025
- Cricket has become a rare and politically charged arena between Pakistan and India
- Pakistan’s focus remains on the game, while BCCI keeps a distance from Pakistan clash
DUBAI: When India and Pakistan meet on a cricket field, it is never just about runs and wickets. It is about pride, pressure, and history.
On Sunday, their long-standing rivalry takes centre stage in the Asia Cup in Dubai, with the match carrying added emotional weight after recent military tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
Earlier this year, India and Pakistan found themselves on the edge of war, locked in a tense four-day military standoff during which Pakistan claimed it had shot down at least six Indian Air Force jets.
In the volatile aftermath, diplomatic ties crumbled further, and cricket, once a rare thread of connection between the two became yet another victim of the growing divide.
With bilateral series suspended for years, the two teams now only meet in multi-nation tournaments. And Sunday’s showdown will be the first face-off since the May skirmishes, making the Dubai clash not just a sporting contest, but a geopolitical moment.
Rivalry Beyond the Boundary
Calls to boycott the match surfaced in India, with several ex Indian cricketers asking the BCCI to pull out. But cricket won out, for now. With tensions high, both sides have made it clear they won’t hold back.
“We’re not going to dial down aggression,” said India captain Suryakumar Yadav. On the ground, it’s still cricket, but with the added weight of national expectations and recent hostilities.
“Once the BCCI aligned with the government, we came here to play,” said India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. “Our focus is purely on cricket.”
BCCI Keeps Distance
According to Hindustan Times, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia, and joint secretary Rohan Desai have no plans to travel to Dubai.
Even Jay Shah, BCCI’s most influential figure, is far away in the US. Only Rajeev Shukla, the acting BCCI president and ACC member, will mark India’s presence in the VIP box.
The silence from the board is being read as a symbolic boycott-a way to distance itself from the contest while still fulfilling obligations.
India in Form, Pakistan Seeking Rhythm
India, the reigning T20 World Champions, have entered the tournament in red-hot form. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Shubman Gill adding firepower up top, the Indians crushed the UAE in their opening game, bowling them out for just 57 and chasing it down in under five overs.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is ready to face India and aims to bring them down on the Dubai pitch just like they claim to have brought down Indian Rafales.
Pakistan has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent with the bat. Without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the younger squad, led by Salman Agha, will need to punch above its weight.
However, they do have momentum on their side, having recently won a T20 tri-series in the UAE. Their confidence was boosted by a convincing 93-run victory over Oman to kick off their Asia Cup campaign.
“If we execute our plans well, we’re good enough to beat any team,” Salman said confidently on Friday.
Coaches Call for Calm, But Stakes Are Sky-High
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson, known for his calm demeanour, acknowledged the charged atmosphere but urged his players to stay grounded.
“We know how confident India is, and rightfully so, but our job is to improve day by day,” he said.
Even so, Hesson understands the emotional weight this fixture carries.
All Eyes on Dubai
With political tension simmering and emotions running high, Sunday’s clash is more than just cricket, it’s a global event.
Millions across South Asia and beyond will tune in, not just for the runs and wickets, but for a glimpse of unity, or rivalry between two nations that rarely meet, yet can’t look away when they do.
Dubai becomes the stage for one of sport’s most storied rivalries. And as always, it promises fire, flair, and unforgettable drama.
