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Pakistan booked their place in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday, September 17. The win not only secured Pakistan’s progression but also set up another clash with arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan’s group stage drama against India still fresh
Pakistan’s qualification comes in the backdrop of an earlier controversial Group A encounter against India on September 14, which the Men in Blue won by seven wickets. While the result itself was one-sided, what grabbed headlines was the handshake controversy that unfolded at the end of the match.
The Indian players, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistani team after sealing victory. In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony. The tension had been visible even earlier, when Yadav and Agha did not engage in the customary handshake at the toss.
The episode escalated when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The complaint alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains not to shake hands at the toss, an act that Pakistan interpreted as “disrespectful” and against the spirit of cricket.
In addition to the complaint, Pakistan demanded that Pycroft be removed from officiating duties for their next Group A fixture against the UAE.
The ICC, however, declined Pakistan’s request to withdraw Pycroft from duty, stating that their internal review found no misconduct. This decision sparked strong reactions in Pakistan’s camp, with reports emerging that the team had even considered boycotting the UAE match as a form of protest.
Eventually, a compromise was reached after Pycroft issued a personal apology to Pakistan’s team management and captain. The PCB later released a statement confirming the apology, attributing the earlier incident to “a miscommunication.” With tensions slightly eased, the UAE fixture went ahead, albeit under intense scrutiny from fans and experts.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025 – Former Indian cricketer slams Pakistan to delaying the match against UAE
Anticipation builds for India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash
With both teams having advanced, the stage is now set for another India vs Pakistan showdown in the Super Four. The crucial match will be played on coming Sunday (September 21) in Dubai, and fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting for it.
Given the fiery backdrop of the handshake saga, combined with the political and sporting history between the two nations, the upcoming fixture carries extraordinary significance. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to exact revenge for their group-stage defeat. For India, it is a chance to assert dominance yet again and push closer to defend the title.
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