There’s nothing quite like an India-Pakistan cricket final to electrify the sporting world. And as the Asia Cup 2025 final looms large on Sunday, October 5, anticipation is running high, with fans on both sides of the border—and even beyond—waiting with bated breath. This isn’t just another cricket match; it’s the first-ever Asia Cup summit clash between these two storied rivals since the tournament’s inception in 1984. For the third consecutive weekend, these teams are set to face off, making it a rare treat for cricket lovers and a true test of nerves.
In a testament to the magnitude of this event, the final will be broadcast live in over 100 cinemas across India, thanks to a partnership between PVR INOX, the Asian Cricket Council, and ITW Universe. According to Aamer Bijli, Lead Specialist at PVR INOX, “The electrifying atmosphere during the India-Pakistan clash on 14 September was remarkable, with cinemas in some cities reaching 80-90% occupancy. Fans were cheering, clapping, and living every moment together, just like inside a stadium.” Clearly, the appetite for this rivalry has only grown, despite the political tensions that initially threatened to overshadow the tournament.
Indeed, just weeks ago, calls for a boycott of India-Pakistan matches echoed loudly across India following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border firing. But as is so often the case, cricket has proven to be a unifying force, drawing fans back in droves. The Asia Cup has delivered drama in spades, with India and Pakistan meeting twice already in the group and Super Four stages, each encounter laced with tension, controversy, and unforgettable moments.
India has held the upper hand on the field, extending their win streak over Pakistan to seven matches across formats. Their dominance is underscored by an unbroken run of victories in the tournament, while Pakistan’s only two losses have come at the hands of their arch-rivals. Yet, the story off the pitch has been equally riveting. Handshakes have been conspicuously absent, with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refusing to engage in a pre-final photoshoot with Pakistan’s Salman Agha. Yadav also dedicated India’s first win to the victims of Pahalgam, a gesture that Pakistan’s Haris Rauf responded to with provocative celebrations—actions that drew fines from the International Cricket Council for both Rauf and Yadav.
The tension has spilled over into official channels as well. The Pakistan Cricket Board recently lodged a complaint with the ICC against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, following a retaliatory gesture after Rauf’s antics. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meanwhile, sent an indirect warning to Pakistan via social media, touting the red-hot form of opener Abhishek Sharma, who has amassed 309 runs in the tournament and notched up three consecutive fifties in the Super Four. “Team India opener Abhishek Sharma is ready for the big final,” read the BCCI’s pointed message.
Abhishek Sharma has undoubtedly been the standout performer, his explosive batting setting the tone for India’s campaign. With scores of 30, 31, 38, 74, 75, and 61, he’s yet to falter, and his ability to take on both pace and spin has left opposition bowlers scrambling for answers. If there’s a chink in India’s armor, it’s the relative lack of form among the rest of the batting order—Sanju Samson’s 56 against Oman is the only other half-century in six matches, while captain Yadav has managed just 71 runs in total. The pressure on Abhishek to deliver yet again is immense, and if Pakistan can dismiss him early, they may just open the door to a potential upset.
On the bowling front, India will look to the wizardry of Kuldeep Yadav, whose spin has proved almost unplayable at times, and the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Yet, even Bumrah has looked vulnerable—he was expensive in the Super Four encounter with Pakistan and will need support from all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. India’s vulnerabilities were exposed in their narrow Super Over win against Sri Lanka, where the middle order struggled for rhythm and the fielding left much to be desired. Still, with an eight-match T20I winning streak, India comes into the final as a formidable force.
Pakistan, for their part, have shown resilience. They qualified for the final with a gritty defense of 135 against Bangladesh, relying heavily on their spinners as seamers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have struggled against India’s top order. Saim Ayub, once touted as a game-changer, has endured a torrid run, registering four ducks and losing his spot at the top of the order to Fakhar Zaman. Yet, the middle order has stepped up when needed, and the team’s ability to perform in crunch situations—remember the Champions Trophy final in 2017?—means they can never be counted out.
Veteran Pakistan stars Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram have advised their side to ignore the hype and focus on their own strengths, acknowledging India as favorites but cautioning against underestimating Pakistan’s capacity for an upset. “Do not let India’s aura and vibe disturb you,” they urged. The stakes are high, and the volatility of this final is heightened by the charged political environment. Dubai Police have responded with stringent security measures at the International Stadium, mandating early arrivals and banning flags, banners, firecrackers, and sharp objects. Fans have been warned that violence or abusive behavior could result in fines ranging from INR 2.41 lakh to INR 7.24 lakh, with specialized police units on hand to ensure safety.
As the cricketing world turns its gaze to Dubai, it’s clear that this match is about far more than just runs and wickets. It’s a contest steeped in history, pride, and the hope of millions. The Asia Cup final, broadcast in cinemas and watched by millions at home, is a reminder of the power of sport to captivate and unite—even as it divides on the field. With both teams carrying scars from recent encounters and seeking redemption or validation, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: the drama is far from over.
With the players warming up, the stadium filling, and the world watching, all eyes are now on Dubai. Will India’s dominance continue, or will Pakistan conjure another famous upset? The Asia Cup 2025 final is set to deliver fireworks, both on and off the pitch, as cricket’s greatest rivalry writes its latest chapter.
