DUBAI: An India-Pakistan cricket match has always been one of the most anticipated contests in world sport. But emotions are set to run even higher in Sunday’s Asia Cup clash, coming just months after the neighbors engaged in a four-day military conflict earlier this year.
Cricketing ties between the two nations remain suspended outside of ICC or ACC tournaments, and this Group A fixture marks their first meeting since May’s hostilities. Calls for a boycott from sections of India’s cricket fraternity had raised doubts, but with the BCCI aligning with the government, India are in Dubai with their full-strength squad.
“Once we are here to play, the focus is only cricket,” India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said. “The players have put everything else aside.”
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson echoed a similar tone, stressing the importance of composure: “It’s a highly charged event, but for us the job is to focus on our cricket and keep improving.”
India enter the clash as strong favourites, having thrashed UAE by nine wickets in their opening game. With Jasprit Bumrah spearheading the bowling and Shubman Gill strengthening the top order, the defending champions look formidable.
Pakistan, meanwhile, beat Oman to open their campaign but continue to battle inconsistency in batting. Without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, new captain Salman Agha is banking on team unity and recent form, pointing to their tri-series win in the UAE as motivation.
“If we execute our plans long enough, we can beat any side,” Salman said.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the match carries sensitive overtones but insisted that the team is treating it like any other game. “We’re aware of public sentiment, but our job is to be professional,” he said. “Gautam Gambhir’s message has been clear—control emotions, prepare the same way for every game.”
Ten Doeschate added that while Pakistan have been redefining their T20 approach in recent months, India’s focus remains inward: “Pakistan are evolving as a T20 side, but what matters most is how we play. We may face them multiple times in this tournament and again in the World Cup, so the key is staying consistent and not letting emotions dictate the game.”
With both sides under pressure, Sunday’s match promises more than just a sporting contest—it is another high-voltage chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
