The Asia Cup 2025 final match between India and Pakistan is set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. However, the customary joint trophy photoshoot before the match is unlikely to be held due to ongoing political and sporting tensions between the two nations.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have already faced Pakistan twice in the ongoing eight-team tournament. Notably, the Men in Blue secured victories in both encounters. Another intense battle is expected between the two neighboring countries, especially after the controversies that marred their earlier clashes.
Trophy Photoshoot Between India and Pakistan Captains May Be Skipped
According to Pakistan TV channels, the traditional trophy photoshoot involving the captains of India and Pakistan may not take place before the final. Organizers clarified on Saturday that no joint session was scheduled but added that a last-minute decision could still be made just before the game begins.
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If the photo session is cancelled, it would mark a break from the long-standing practice of showcasing both finalists together with the trophy. India and Pakistan are set to contest their first Asia Cup final in 41 years.
It is worth mentioning that Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts in earlier matches of the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also raised concerns over the Indian team refusing handshakes.
Salman Ali Agha Set to Address Media on Saturday Evening
The uncertainty over whether the captains of India and Pakistan will pose together with the Asia Cup trophy has sparked heated debate online. While some fans view the possible cancellation as another sign of political strain between the two nations, Indian supporters have backed their team’s stance.
However, the upcoming clash is expected to attract record-breaking viewership and go down as one of the most-watched finals in Asia Cup history.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha is scheduled to address the media at 7 p.m. (Pakistan Standard Time) on Saturday. The Men in Green will also hold a three-hour training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai later in the evening, focusing on both preparations and team morale.
Haris Rauf Punished by ICC Over Controversial Behaviour in Super 4 Clash
The India-Pakistan Super 4s clash was marred by on-field confrontations. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi exchanged fiery words with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
The tension escalated further as Haris mocked the Indian crowd with a “6-0” gesture, referencing Pakistan’s unverified claims of shooting down Indian fighter jets, while Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a controversial gun gesture.
The ICC soon intervened. Match referee Richie Richardson conducted a disciplinary hearing after the BCCI lodged a complaint. As per reports, Farhan escaped with only a warning, while Haris Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee.
Suryakumar Yadav also faced the same penalty for remarks he made earlier in the tournament, when he dedicated India’s victory to the armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on February 14.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav announced guilty of causing India-Pakistan tension; ICC penalty doubled down
