The stage is set for another electrifying chapter in cricket’s most storied rivalry as India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns once again in the Asia Cup Super Four on September 21, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But this isn’t just any rematch. With both teams having already qualified for the Super Four, the match carries the weight of recent controversies, historic tension, and a subplot that has gripped fans and pundits alike—the much-debated handshake.
India’s first encounter with Pakistan in this tournament, played on September 14, was anything but routine. The stadium, usually packed to the rafters for such a marquee clash, appeared noticeably sparse—a reflection of the somber mood following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. The air was thick with questions: Should the match have gone ahead? Would the players acknowledge each other in the spirit of sportsmanship?
On the field, India’s performance was clinical. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front, scoring a composed 47 not out as India chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 127/9 in just 15.5 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18), Axar Patel (2/18), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) ripped through Pakistan’s batting lineup, while Abhishek Sharma provided fireworks at the top with a blistering 31 off 13 balls. India’s dominant seven-wicket victory placed them firmly atop Group A, with Pakistan trailing in second.
Yet, it was the post-match scene that truly set tongues wagging. In a move that made headlines worldwide, Team India notably skipped the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts—a silent gesture that spoke volumes amid heightened national sentiment. The decision, interpreted by many as a statement in solidarity with the victims of the recent attack, has since become a focal point of debate, with social media buzzing and former players weighing in on whether sportsmanship should ever take a back seat to politics.
The controversy didn’t end there. In the aftermath, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its displeasure, reportedly considering a formal complaint against Suryakumar Yadav for his post-match comments. According to NDTV sources, Suryakumar dedicated India’s win to “our armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor” and expressed solidarity with families affected by the Pahalgam attack. The PCB views this as a political statement made on a sporting platform, arguing it violates the spirit of the game and threatens to escalate tensions ahead of the next encounter.
Meanwhile, the handshake saga took another twist during Pakistan’s subsequent match against the United Arab Emirates. The Group A game, held on September 17, was delayed by an hour as the PCB demanded an apology from match referee Andy Pycroft, who had allegedly told Pakistan’s captain there would be no handshakes at the toss against India. After consultations with former cricket board heads, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi allowed the team to proceed, with Pycroft later apologizing for what he called a “miscommunication.” The PCB accepted the apology, and normalcy appeared to return—at least for the moment.
Pakistan went on to defeat the UAE by 41 runs, with Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo (29 not out off 14 balls) and disciplined spin bowling from Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and Saim Ayub (1/18) securing their spot in the Super Four. The result, however, did little to quell the off-field drama, as both teams now turn their attention to the eagerly awaited rematch.
Looking ahead, the Super Four stage promises high-stakes action. The format is simple yet unforgiving: each team faces the others once, with the top two advancing to the final on September 28 in Dubai. India, with four points from two matches and a formidable net run rate, are assured of their A1 seeding, while Pakistan, with two wins from three, slot in as A2. The fixtures are set—India will also face Bangladesh on September 24 and Sri Lanka on September 26, while Pakistan’s path includes clashes with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
History, as always, looms large over this rivalry. India boasts a glittering Asia Cup record, having lifted the trophy eight times (1984, 1988, 1990/91, 1995, 2010, 2016 T20I, 2018, 2023), while Pakistan has claimed the title twice (2000, 2012). Yet, in contests between these two, the form book often goes out the window. Every ball bowled, every run scored, and every gesture—handshake or not—becomes a talking point for millions across the globe.
The squads for this Super Four clash read like a who’s who of South Asian cricketing talent. India’s lineup features Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan counters with Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, and Sufyan Moqim.
As the moment of truth approaches, one question dominates the conversation: Will the teams shake hands this time? With the world watching, the gesture—or its absence—will be scrutinized as much as the cricket itself. The match referee, the players, and the boards are all under the spotlight, knowing that every move will be dissected by fans, analysts, and the media.
But let’s not forget the cricket. India enters as clear favorites, their recent form and depth giving them the edge. Pakistan, however, knows that in a rivalry of this magnitude, anything can happen. A near-perfect performance could turn the tables and set up another potential meeting in the final, should both teams finish in the Super Four’s top two.
Off the field, the air is thick with intrigue. On it, expect nothing less than high-octane drama, world-class skills, and moments that will be etched into the annals of Asia Cup history. Whether it’s a handshake or a hard-fought contest, the world will be watching every second as India and Pakistan renew their rivalry in Dubai.
For now, the cricketing world waits, breath held, for the next ball, the next run, and perhaps, the next handshake.
