Tag: india

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

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.

READ: Major blow to West Indies as Shamar Joseph ruled out of India Tests

In a major blow for West Indies, fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India.

The news came via Cricket West Indies (CWI) social media handle, which stated that the pacer has been out of the series due to an injury.  However, the board did not disclose the nature of the injury.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old uncapped all-rounder Johann Layne has been named as Joseph’s replacement.

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Layne has so far played 19 first-class matches in which he has taken 66 wickets at an impressive average of 22.28. Besides this, he has 495 runs to his name at an average of 19.03.

For context, after the two Test matches against India, West Indies have a busy schedule ahead, as they are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, starting from October 18.

After the Bangladesh tour, the West Indies will head to New Zealand for an all-format tour.

Updated West Indies Test squad for India series

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar confident Pakistan will ‘Nail It’ in Asia Cup final against India

DUBAI: Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the last encounter of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Friday.

More to follow…

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

Head-to-Head Record

In head-to-head matches, India is ahead with 21 victories out of 31 encounters, whereas Sri Lanka have managed to secure a win in nine games.

Read More: Suryakumar found guilty of breaching ICC code of conduct in Pakistan clash

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct over his political comments during the India-Pakistan clash on September 14 in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

According to Cricinfo, the exact sanction that has been applied is not confirmed, but it is likely to be demerit points or a fine.After the sanction, India has appealed against the verdict.

Meanwhile, the report said that the verdict on Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan is awaited.

A day earlier, the Indian skipper was summoned by match referee Richie Richardson and ICC officials for a meeting at a local hotel in Dubai regarding this matter.

During the meeting, Yadav was advised to refrain from making political comments in the future. However, the report indicated that it is unclear whether Suryakumar faced any other sanctions.

The controversy arose after the BCCI emailed its complaint to the ICC earlier this week, pointing to Farhan’s celebration and Rauf’s actions as “provocative.”

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Yesterday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also lodged an official complaint against Yadav’s comments following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match on September 14.

The PCB’s complaint said that Yadav had politicized cricket and breached the ICC’s code of conduct on neutrality.

The matter stems from Yadav dedicating the win to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” which took place earlier this year in April, triggering renewed cross-border tensions.

“Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation.

“Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”

READ: Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan defend actions in ICC hearing over BCCI complaint

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind the national team, urging them to carry the same fearless mindset from their win over Bangladesh into the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against India.

Pakistan secured their spot in Sunday’s title match after narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a tense Super Four encounter, setting up the first-ever Asia Cup final against India in the tournament’s 41-year history.

Speaking to a local sports outlet, Akhtar advised the players to shed any inferiority complex and attack India head-on.

“Step out of that mindset, break their aura, and go in with the same attitude you had against Bangladesh, take them on, come at us, we’ll see. That’s the attitude you need,” Akhtar stressed.

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The former speedster emphasised that Pakistan’s focus must remain on wickets rather than survival.

“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise they can be rattled. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs, mark my words, they’ll be in real trouble,” he said.

Highlighting the need for self-belief, Shoaib Akhtar reminded the team not to get overwhelmed by India’s stature.

“Don’t focus on them being the number one team. Just ask yourself: what is my best? Whatever that is, put it out there. Play sensible cricket,” he added.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Pakistan’s gritty win over Bangladesh was powered by Mohammad Haris’ 23-ball 31 and handy contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Shaheen Afridi (19), before the bowlers defended 135.

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayub all picked up two wickets each, while Nawaz struck once to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9.

Confident of Pakistan’s potential, Akhtar expressed complete faith in the men in green to deliver on the big stage.

“Pakistan has the ability to put up big scores and also bowl the opposition out — trust me, take my word for it. I feel 100% sure Pakistan is going to nail it,” he concluded.

READ: Irfan Pathan lauds Pakistan team after setting up Asia Cup final against India

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded the Pakistan cricket team after their hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, sealing a historic final showdown with India in Dubai.

Pakistan held their nerve in a tense contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, edging Bangladesh by 11 runs to book their place in the final.

The result means India and Pakistan will meet in an Asia Cup final for the first time in 41 years, setting up a much-anticipated clash on Sunday.

Pathan, who has been a vocal supporter of India’s campaign, took to the social media platform X to acknowledge Pakistan’s progress, especially in the bowling department.

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“For the first time in Asia Cup history, we’ll see an India vs Pakistan final. India have shown their dominance, the gap with others is clear. Pak team, meanwhile, have shown improvement especially in the bowling department,” Pathan wrote.

Earlier, Pakistan managed 135 for 8 in their 20 overs after opting to bat first, with Bangladesh’s bowlers keeping things tight.

But Pakistan’s attack responded brilliantly, restricting Bangladesh to 124 for 9 in reply.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets apiece, while Saim Ayub also impressed with two scalps, and Mohammad Nawaz added one.

READ: Spain star Sergio Busquets to retire after MLS season

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha hailed the team’s performance and expressed confidence ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played on Sunday.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha called Pakistan’s special team after securing a narrow win over Bangladesh while issuing a bold statement on the clash against arch-rivals.

“Very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them,” he said.

“If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in, ” he said. “The way Shaheen bowled and the way Haris bowled up front, it was special. We are finding ways to win.”

He aimed for a better display in the final against arch-rivals while shedding light on the total and playing conditions.

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“There are ways to improve, but we will be better in the final.  We were 10-15 runs short – no way I am going to deny that. If we bowl the way we did up front, we will create pressure,” he explained.

“When you create pressure up front, it is tough to chase it down. Bowled well with the new ball, and once you bowl like this with the new ball, you win more often. We have been fielding really well,” the skipper continued.

Highlighting the team’s fielding under the new coach Shane McDermott, he mentioned the hard work and Mike Hesson’s motivation and focus on fielding.

“Since Shane came, we have been working really hard. Mike, our coach said whoever cannot field, cannot be in the team – so everyone is working very hard with Shane and I am happy with how everyone is fielding.

READ: ICC reprimands Suryakumar Yadav over political statement

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain of the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies, beginning next month.

The 36-year-old will serve as Test vice-captain for the first time, though he has previously held the role in ODIs and T20Is.

Jadeja’s elevation comes in the absence of vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who has not recovered fully from the foot fracture he sustained during the fourth Test against England earlier this year.

Shubman Gill, who debuted as Test captain in England, will continue to lead the side. Pant, meanwhile, remains under rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

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Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the two designated wicketkeepers in the squad, with Jurel tipped to take the gloves in the first Test.

Several players from the expanded England touring party, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, and Shardul Thakur, have been left out of the squad, along with injured Pant.

India’s home assignment against West Indies marks their second series in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, after the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England ended in a 2–2 draw.

The first Test will be played in Ahmedabad from October 2, followed by the second in Delhi from October 10.

India squad for Test series against West Indies

Shubman Gill (c), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.

READ: Suryakumar Yadav under ICC scrutiny following PCB’s complaint

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun reviewing a formal complaint filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against India captain Suryakumar Yadav.

The PCB lodged an official complaint against Yadav’s comments following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match on September 14.

The PCB’s complaint accuses Yadav of politicizing cricket and breaching the ICC’s code of conduct on neutrality.

The matter stems from Yadav dedicating the win to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” which took place earlier this year in April, triggering renewed cross-border tensions.

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“Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation.

“Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”

The ICC confirmed it has received the complaint and is examining the matter. A formal hearing could be convened, with Yadav given the option of accepting the charge or contesting it before match referee Richie Richardson, alongside representatives of both the BCCI and PCB.

The match itself had already made headlines for the now-infamous handshake controversy, as the two captains did not shake hands at the toss, and players refrained from greeting each other at the end of the game.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Addressing the issue later, Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the decision not to engage in handshakes was taken on the advice of the BCCI and the Indian government.

“Some things are above sportsman spirit. Our government, BCCI, and we were aligned today… We came here to just play the game,” the Indian captain remarked at the post-match press conference.

The PCB has argued that Yadav’s comments crossed the line by using the cricketing stage for political messaging.

READ: BCCI lodges complaint against Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan