Tag: Asia Cup 2025

DUBAI: Former England spinner Monty Panesar has warned India to not underestimate Pakistan ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final.

Pakistan and India will lock horns in the continental tournament final for the first time, marking a historic game between the arch-rivals.

India have played dominantly throughout the tournament, entering the summit clash as an unbeaten side. They have comprehensively defeated Pakistan in both of their earlier matches in this tournament.

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Nonetheless, Monty Panesar has warned India that the final could bring out a different version of Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a dangerous team. They’ve got nothing to lose. In a final, they could play their best cricket, even though India has been the most consistent team throughout the tournament. India needs to be really mindful,” Panesar said.

He also underscored Pakistan’s unpredictability and warned India against complacency.

“Pakistan is probably not as strong as it once was, but on its day, it can still beat India. They must be careful not to become too complacent,” he remarked.

Asia Cup 2025 Squads

Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, and Rinku Singh.

READ: Dubai Police issue security plan for Pakistan-India Asia Cup Final

DUBAI: Pakistan cricket team is likely to retain a settled playing XI as they prepare for the high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The management is unlikely to tinker with the line-up that delivered wins in the Super Four stage against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Sources confirm there is little chance of recalling young batter Hasan Nawaz, who was dropped after the earlier clash with India.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

In positive news, pacer Haris Rauf has regained full fitness and is available for selection in the title decider.

India, meanwhile, are expected to strengthen their side by recalling Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube. Both missed the last Super Four match against Sri Lanka, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana likely to make way.

The much-anticipated showdown will mark the first-ever Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals in the tournament’s 41-year history. Since its inception in 1984, the continental event has witnessed 15 finals, but never a Pakistan–India title clash.

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Pakistan have featured in five Asia Cup finals, lifting the trophy twice and finishing runners-up three times, most recently to Sri Lanka in 2022.

Meanwhile, India remain the competition’s most successful team, with eight titles from 11 final appearances.

Pakistan likely Playing XI for Asia Cup final against India

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: Dubai Police issue security plan for Pakistan-India Asia Cup Final

DUBAI: The Dubai Police have announced stringent security measures for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between Pakistan and India, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In an advisory, authorities urged spectators to arrive at least three hours before the start of play to avoid congestion. Each ticket will allow only a single entry, with no re-entry permitted once a fan exits the venue.

The guidelines include a ban on flammable materials, weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, glass items, tripods, and selfie sticks.

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Political banners and unauthorised placards have also been prohibited. Police appealed to fans to cooperate fully with security staff to ensure the contest is enjoyed in a festive yet safe environment.

Meanwhile, organisers confirmed that all 28,000 tickets for the historic clash have sold out, with demand far surpassing previous fixtures.

The group-stage meeting drew 20,000 spectators, while the Super Four encounter saw 17,000 in attendance.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

The final, however, marks the first-ever Asia Cup title showdown between the arch-rivals in the tournament’s 41-year history.

Pakistan sealed their place in the decider with a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh on September 25, setting up a third face-off with India in this edition.

India won both earlier matches, though both encounters were marred by controversies.

READ: Pakistan captain opens up on Saim Ayub’s participation in Asia Cup final

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has thrown his weight behind out-of-form batter Saim Ayub ahead of the blockbuster ACC Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Ayub has endured a torrid run with the bat in the tournament, scoring just 23 runs in six innings at a poor average of 3.83 and a strike rate of 85.18, including four ducks.

However, the left-hander has made up for his struggles with the bat by delivering handy contributions with the ball, taking eight wickets in five innings at an impressive average of 14.00.

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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the scrutiny on Ayub’s place in the XI but insisted that the youngster deserves backing, given his all-round value and long-term potential.

“I think Saim Ayub is such a player who can serve Pakistan for the next 10 years, and I am really hoping that he does,” Agha said.

“So, it is essential to back such individuals until a situation arises where it becomes absolutely necessary to make a change.”

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Highlighting Ayub’s consistent efforts in the field and with the ball, the captain underlined his faith in the 24-year-old to come good with the bat when it matters most.

“You have seen his bowling and fielding, he is contributing in every game. There has not been a single match where he has not contributed,” he added.

“Yes, he could not perform with the bat, but I am fully confident that he will play one good innings in the final.”

READ: Tickets sold out for Pakistan-India Asia Cup final in Dubai

DUBAI: The tickets for the ACC Asia Cup 2025 final between Pakistan and India have officially sold out, with organisers confirming that all 28,000 seats at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium have been snapped up.

The arch-rivals’ first-ever meeting in an Asia Cup final has sparked unprecedented demand, outstripping even the earlier group and Super Four matches that drew 20,000 and 17,000 spectators, respectively.

The sell-out crowd underscores the extraordinary hype surrounding the historic showdown, marking the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that Pakistan and India will contest the title.

Pakistan sealed their place in the final with an 11-run win over Bangladesh on September 25, setting up a third face-off with India in this edition.

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India won both previous encounters, though the games were overshadowed by controversies on and off the field.

In the group-stage clash on September 14, the first meeting since cross-border tensions resurfaced in May, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss.

The incident carried through to the end of the match, when Yadav and teammate Shivam Dube left the field without greeting their opponents, retreating straight to the dressing room.

Similar scenes followed in the Super Four clash on September 21, with both sides again avoiding handshakes before and after the game, further intensifying the rivalry ahead of the final.

READ: Salman Ali Agha breaks silence on handshake row ahead of Asia Cup final

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has finally addressed the much-debated handshake controversy ahead of Sunday’s historic Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This marks the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that the arch-rivals will contest the final, and while the cricket has lived up to the billing, off-field controversies have dominated headlines.

The first flashpoint came in the group stage when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Salman at the toss.

The tension lingered as Yadav, after guiding his side to victory, walked straight off the field without greeting Pakistan’s players.

Along with teammate Shivam Dube, he retreated to the dressing room, leaving Pakistan’s squad waiting in vain for the customary post-match exchange.

In protest, Salman skipped the post-match press conference, leaving head coach Mike Hesson to front the media.

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The uneasy atmosphere continued into the Super Four clash on September 21, with both teams again avoiding handshakes before and after the game.

Speaking at the pre-final press conference, Salman Ali Agha voiced his disappointment.

“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007, from the Under-16 level, and I had never seen anything like this until now,” he said.

“My father, who has followed cricket all his life, never mentioned such an incident either. Even in times when relations between the two countries were worse, handshakes still happened. This is not good for cricket.”

Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that the traditional pre-final trophy shoot would not take place after India declined participation. Asked about the development, Salman made it clear Pakistan would stick to protocol.

“They can do whatever they want,” he said. “We have our protocol, and we’ll follow that. If they want to come, they can come. If not, then not.”

READ: Mohsin Naqvi to pay Haris Rauf’s fine personally: sources

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly taken the unusual step of personally covering the fine imposed on pacer Haris Rauf by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following disciplinary action in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Rauf was docked 30% of his match fee after being found guilty of making inappropriate gestures toward Indian fans during Pakistan’s Super Four clash against India.

Sources confirmed that Naqvi, in a show of support, has pledged to pay not only Rauf’s fine but also any future ICC-imposed penalties on Pakistani players from his own funds.

The ICC conducted hearings on Friday into incidents involving Haris Rauf and top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan.

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While Rauf was penalised financially, Farhan escaped with only a formal warning after celebrating his half-century with a “gunfire gesture” using his bat.

Match referee Richie Richardson deemed the action inappropriate but not warranting a monetary penalty.

Disciplinary action was not confined to Pakistan’s camp. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30% of his match fee for post-match remarks laced with political undertones.

His comments referencing the armed forces drew a sharp reaction from the PCB, which argued that the remarks went beyond the spirit of the game and urged the ICC to consider a Level 4 sanction, the most serious category of offence under its code.

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Captains’ trophy shoot cancelled ahead of Pakistan-India final

DUBAI: The traditional trophy shoot with the captains of Pakistan and India will not occur before the highly anticipated ACC Asia Cup 2025 final, sources confirmed on Saturday.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are set to lock horns in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, marking the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that the two sides will contest an Asia Cup title clash.

Organisers stated that no official photoshoot has been scheduled, adding that a last-minute decision on whether the captains pose together with the trophy may only be taken shortly before the game.

This will be the third meeting between the two neighbours in this edition of the Asia Cup, but relations on the field have been far from cordial.

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In their group stage encounter, which was the first match since cross-border tensions resurfaced in May, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav notably declined the customary handshake with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss.

The tension carried through the match as Yadav, after sealing India’s win, walked straight off without greeting his opponents.

Indian players, including Yadav and Shivam Dube, immediately retreated to the dressing room, shutting the doors while Pakistan’s squad remained on the field waiting for the traditional post-match courtesy.

The uneasy exchanges continued in the Super Four clash on September 21, when both teams again avoided handshakes before and after the match.

READ: India coach plays down injury scares for Hardik, Abhishek

DUBAI: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has brushed aside major injury concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, scheduled on Sunday.

Hardik sparked alarm on Friday when he clutched his left hamstring and walked off the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder struck with his very first delivery, removing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, but did not return for the remainder of the innings.

“Hardik had cramps. He will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, and we’ll then take a call,” Morkel clarified at the post-match press conference.

Abhishek Sharma also caused concern after showing visible discomfort in the ninth over while sprinting, clutching his right thigh. He exited the field in the 10th over and did not return, receiving ice treatment and pickle juice for cramps.

Substitutes Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma rotated on the field, while Tilak Varma also briefly went off before returning.

With Friday’s clash extending into a Super Over, Morkel emphasised that recovery, not training, will be India’s priority heading into the final.

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“The key for the boys is to rest. They’re already in ice baths, and the recovery started straight after the match. Sleep, rest, and staying off the feet will be crucial,” he said.

“There will be individual pool sessions and massages before the guys get mentally ready for Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, so playing smart is the key. There will certainly be no training.”

The coach also addressed the pressure on young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who went for a combined 100 runs in eight overs against Sri Lanka.

While acknowledging their struggles, Morkel praised Arshdeep for holding his nerve in the Super Over to secure India’s win.

“In our environment, we want to move away from an excuse culture. The effort the boys put in at training, we expect them to deliver,” he added.

“Yes, lack of game time can be a factor, but nothing beats being out there in the middle. Right now, things aren’t happening for them, but they’re all X-factor players and match-winners.”

READ: Nissanka ton in vain as India edge Sri Lanka in Super Over

Defending champions India survived a scintillating century by Pathum Nissanka to edge out Sri Lanka in a Super Over after their Asia Cup match ended in a tie on Friday.

India, who had already booked their place in the final against Pakistan, posted an impressive 202-5.

In reply, however, Nissanka hammered 107 off 58 balls to lead Sri Lanka’s chase which also ended on 202-5 in the last Super Four contest of the regional tournament in Dubai.

Sri Lanka managed just two runs from their Super Over, which was bowled by Arshdeep Singh.

Kusal Perera sliced the first ball to deep point, and Dasun Shanaka’s dismissal from the fifth ball marked the end of the innings.

It took India skipper Suryakumar Yadav just one ball to settle the match, which meant his side remained unbeaten in six matches ahead of the final against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue.

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Nissanka stood out with his first T20 century, laced with seven fours and six sixes, and his 127-run second-wicket partnership with left-hander Perera, who made 58.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy broke the stand with the wicket of Perera as slow bowlers got India back into the game.

With 12 to get off the last over, Harshit Rana dismissed Nissanka on the first ball and restricted Sri Lanka to 11, sending the match into a Super Over.

Put in to bat, India posted a challenging total after opener Abhishek Sharma hit 61 off 31 balls.

The left-handed Abhishek set the tone with a 59-run second-wicket stand with Suryakumar, who fell after a scratchy 12.

Abhishek, who has a strike-rate of over 200 in the regional tournament, reached his third successive fifty with two straight boundaries to take the attack to the opposition.

Skipper Charith Asalanka cut short Abhishek’s blitz before Tilak Varma and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson put on 66 for the fourth wicket.

India lost two more wickets, including Samson for 39, but Varma, who hit 49, and fellow left-hander Axar Patel, with 21, steered the team past 200.

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