Cricket’s fiercest rivalry is poised to reignite as India and Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Thursday, September 26, at the Dubai International Stadium.

Despite ongoing political tensions between the two nations, excitement for this historic showdown is palpable, with fans eager to secure their seats for the title match.

As of Friday, September 26, tickets starting at Dh350 are still available in the Upper stands on the official PlatinumList website, along with hospitality passes beginning at Dh1,500. Organizers have also introduced a special promotion, allowing fans to buy three premium tickets for the price of two, providing an added incentive for late buyers to witness the high-stakes encounter live.

This year’s tournament has unfolded against a backdrop of political strain following a military conflict between India and Pakistan in May. Tensions have spilled onto the field, evident in the players’ interactions during previous matches.

In the first two encounters, players from both sides refrained from shaking hands, while Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced accusations of making a political gesture. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan and pacer Haris Rauf faced criticism for their aggressive celebrations.

Despite the controversies, Pakistan’s New Zealand-born head coach Mike Hesson has urged his players to maintain their focus on the game. “My message to the players is just focus on cricket, and that’s certainly what we’ll be doing,” Hesson stated. “There has always been passion in high-pressure games, but we need to channel it into performance.”

Currently, India holds the top position in the ICC rankings, entering the final as the clear favorites. Pakistan has faced challenges in their earlier matches, scoring only 127-9 in their first encounter, which India easily chased down. Although Pakistan improved in their second match, they still fell short by six wickets.

Hesson acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for longer because there is a reason why they are ranked the top side in the world. That will be our challenge.”