Dubai, UAE: The cricketing world’s attention turns to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today as India and Pakistan meet in their Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. The match, scheduled for Sunday, 14 September, comes against a backdrop of political tension and public debate over whether the game should go ahead.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the controversy during a pre‑match press conference, saying the team’s focus remains firmly on cricket. “Once we are here to play, players are focused on playing cricket. That’s what we focus on… India‑Pakistan is always a competitive game,” Kotak said.
Calls for a boycott have grown since the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed 26 lives, and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. While some former cricketers and sections of the public urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to withdraw, the Indian government cleared participation under its new sports policy, which allows competition against Pakistan in multi‑nation tournaments but not in bilateral series.
India began their campaign with a dominant nine‑wicket win over the UAE, while Pakistan are yet to play their opening match against Oman. Both sides are favourites to progress to the Super Four stage and could meet up to three times in the tournament if they reach the final.
Security has been tightened in Dubai, and ticket sales initially slow due to boycott sentiment have picked up in the final hours before the toss.
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