Arch-rivals Pakistan and India will face off in a high-stakes Asia Cup final in Dubai today (Sunday), with political and on-field friction overshadowing their first title clash in the tournament.

For the first time in 41 years and 17 tournaments, traditional rivals Pakistan and India will face each other in the final.

Pakistan secured their place in the decider after edging past Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday, setting the stage for a blockbuster meeting with their neighbours.

Defending champions India were the first team to book a place in the final following their win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Suryakumar Yadav’s team finished their Super Fours campaign in a thrilling Super Over win over Sri Lanka on Friday.

India have won all six of their matches at the tournament and heavy favourites going into the final.

They have not lost to Pakistan in seven white-ball matches dating back to 2022.

Political tension and on-field friction have stalked the teams at the tournament following a deadly military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May.

India violated the spirit of the game by not shaking hands in either of the first two meetings between the teams in the UAE.

The tension increased when players exchanged words during last Sunday’s clash, with India filing an official complaint over gestures made by Pakistan duo Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan.

Focus on the game

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson said, “Emotions are natural in high-pressure matches. We are determined to seize this historic opportunity. The players must stay focused on the game.”

“I have nothing to do with off-the-field matters. My focus is on cricket, and I have instructed the players to focus solely on the game. In high-pressure matches, emotions are natural, but we must channel our energy towards performance,“ he added.

“Our performance in the first match against India was weak, but we fought better in the second. We managed to keep India under pressure for quite a while, but we need to sustain that pressure longer to win. That is our real challenge.”

“The team has gained confidence through consecutive wins and is determined to take advantage of this historic opportunity. To win the match, we must maintain the pressure for longer – that is our true test,” he stated.

Captain Salman Ali Agha added, “We know exactly what needs to be done in the final.”

After losing their earlier two matches against India in the tournament, the Pakistani cricket team is determined to turn things around in the decisive clash.

From “No Handshake” to “No Photoshoot”

The situation between the Pakistan and India teams has escalated from “no handshakes” to “no photoshoot”.

India has refused to participate in a trophy photoshoot involving both captains, forcing the tournament organisers to cancel the planned “Captains’ Event”.

Regarding the matter, Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha stated: “Not having a handshake is not good for cricket. In the past, the situation was even worse, yet handshakes still happened. Whatever the Indian team chooses to do, we will continue to uphold sportsman’s spirit.”

Even before the final, a joint photo session is unlikely to take place, and a final decision will be made right before the match.

Cricket fever reaches peak

Cricket fever has reached its peak ahead of this big clash. Cricket fans in Dubai, UAE, will get to see both teams in action for the third consecutive Sunday.

India has won the Asia Cup eight times so far, while Pakistan last won it in 2012 and has claimed the trophy twice in total.

India has reached the final 11 times, while Pakistan has done so five times – but they’ve never met in a final before. Pakistan has lost three finals.

In Asia Cup history, India and Pakistan have faced each other 10 times: India won 8 matches, while Pakistan won 2.