Dubai, September 28, 2025: The stage is set for a historic showdown as Pakistan and India face off in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the first-ever title clash between the arch-rivals in the tournament’s 41-year history. But off-field controversies have already added spice to the much-anticipated fixture.
Trophy shoot drama
In a departure from tradition, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha was left posing alone with the Asia Cup trophy on the eve of the final after his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav did not attend the customary pre-match photoshoot.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had made arrangements for the joint shoot, but the Indian management later told local media that they had not received any instructions to participate. The incident follows a series of frosty exchanges between the two teams during the tournament, fuelling speculation of strained relations.
Toss ceremony with dual presenters
In another unusual move, organisers announced that the toss would feature separate presenters for each captain. Legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis spoke to Salman Ali Agha, while India’s Suryakumar Yadav was interviewed by former Indian all-rounder and commentator Ravi Shastri.
At the toss, Suryakumar won and opted to field first, continuing India’s strategy of chasing in high-pressure games.
The toss arrangement came amid ongoing tensions over India’s repeated refusal to engage in customary handshakes with Pakistani players.
The controversy first surfaced during the group-stage encounter on September 14, when Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Agha before and after the game. Matters worsened when the Indian team locked their dressing room doors immediately after victory, leaving Pakistan’s players waiting on the field for post-match courtesies.
Following an official protest, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema criticised both India’s conduct and match referee Andy Pycroft, who later apologised and termed the incident a “miscommunication.” A similar scene played out in the Super Four clash on September 21, when handshakes were again avoided.
The Asia Cup, inaugurated in 1984, has seen 15 editions but never a Pakistan-India final. India remain the tournament’s most successful side with eight titles from 11 finals, while Pakistan have lifted the trophy twice — in 2000 and 2012 — and finished runners-up three times, most recently in 2022.
In the shortest format, India dominate the head-to-head record, winning 12 of 15 T20Is against Pakistan. Both of Pakistan’s defeats in this tournament have also come against India, while the Men in Blue enter the final on an eight-match winning streak.
With tensions high both on and off the field, the sold-out 28,000-capacity stadium is expected to witness one of the most dramatic encounters in Asia Cup history. For fans across South Asia and beyond, tonight’s match promises not just cricketing excellence but also another fiery chapter in the sport’s most storied rivalry.
