ISLAMABAD: The pre-final trophy shoot featuring the captains of Pakistan and India is in doubt ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup 2025 final, organisers said, as tensions between the two rivals continue to overshadow preparations.
The high-profile match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the first time the two sides will meet in an Asia Cup final since the tournament began in 1984. But organisers confirmed on Saturday that no joint photo opportunity had been arranged, citing uncertainty over whether the skippers would pose together before the match.
“Nothing is scheduled as of now. A final decision will be taken on Sunday before the match,” organisers said.
The uncertainty comes in the wake of a series of incidents that have strained on-field relations. During the group stage, Indian vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss, repeating the snub after scoring the winning runs.
Indian captain Yadav and his teammates later bypassed the customary post-match greetings, heading straight to the dressing room.
The Pakistan camp lodged a protest through team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, who accused the Indian side and match referee Andy Pycroft of mishandling the matter. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later said Pycroft had apologised, calling it a “miscommunication.”
The atmosphere soured further during the Super Four clash on September 21, when players once again avoided handshakes before and after the match. According to the PCB, Pycroft repeated his apology to Pakistan’s captain and team management.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson urged his players to keep their focus on cricket. “We’ve deserved this opportunity,” he told reporters in Dubai. “All the games before now were about getting ourselves in a position to win the trophy. Now it’s about delivering on the biggest stage.”
Pakistan secured their place in the final after a dramatic comeback victory against Bangladesh in the Super Four, a match widely regarded as a virtual semi-final. Reduced to 33 for four, Pakistan relied on lower-order resilience and incisive bowling to seal their spot in the title clash.
“These surfaces are difficult,” Hesson said. “It’s not about the perfect cover drive — it’s about decision-making, adapting, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did.”
Pakistan face India carrying the weight of history, having lost their last seven encounters. But Hesson dismissed the notion of a mental block.
“Absolutely not. In the last match, we had them for long periods. We let it slip, but it wasn’t fear — it was just one exceptional innings that turned the game. This time, we have to keep the pressure on for longer.”
