The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match between India and Pakistan is set to take place today, September 21, 2025, in Dubai. This marks the second time these rivals have faced each other in the tournament, adding extra intensity to the encounter.
The upcoming match follows a controversial handshake incident after their previous meeting, adding off-field tension to the already high-stakes game. After India's decisive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their first match on September 14, the Indian team walked off the field without participating in the customary post-match handshake. This action sparked considerable debate and has intensified the rivalry leading into today's game.
Pakistan's manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, lodged a protest with the ICC match referee, Andy Pycroft, who they allege did not clearly communicate the Indian team's decision to forgo the handshake. Pakistan viewed this as a breach of the spirit of cricket and demanded Pycroft's removal, though an agreement was later reached. Pycroft has been appointed as the match referee for today's game. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Pycroft apologized for the "miscommunication". The ICC also expressed willingness to investigate the code of conduct violation.
Adding to the drama, Pakistan canceled their pre-match press conference, the second time they have done so in the tournament. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi declined to specify the reason behind the cancellation.
India enters the Super Four stage after a strong performance in the group stage, including a 21-run victory over Oman. Pakistan secured their spot in the Super Four with a 41-run win over the UAE.
India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has downplayed the handshake controversy, focusing on the game itself. He emphasized the importance of his players shutting out external noise. India will rely heavily on its spin attack, including Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, to exploit Dubai's slow pitches. There is some doubt about Axar Patel playing due to a minor head injury sustained against Oman. If Patel is unavailable, Washington Sundar or Riyan Parag could be potential replacements. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy, who were rested in the previous match, are expected to return.
Pakistan's batting lineup has struggled against India's spinners, with several batters failing to read the slow bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman remain key threats.
The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Dubai International Stadium. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website, with live telecasts on Sony Sports Ten channels in India.
The Asia Cup 2025, being held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, features eight teams competing in the T20 format. India, the defending champions from 2023, automatically qualified along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Hong Kong secured their places through the 2024 ACC Men's Premier Cup.
