India, Pakistan Keen to Skip Controversy Ahead of Asia Cup Super Fours Game
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — India and Pakistan are eager to put aside their recent controversy as they prepare for a crucial Super Fours match at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday.
The two teams have been embroiled in a no-handshake row after their previous encounter, which has overshadowed the cricket tournament. However, both sides seem determined to focus on the game rather than the politics surrounding it.
Pakistan's captain Salman Agha was scheduled to hold a pre-match news conference on Saturday but cancelled it just an hour before its scheduled time. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav also evaded questions about the handshake row when he spoke to the media after his team's win over Oman on Friday.
"We are focused on the game and not on any other issues," Agha said in a statement, according to Pakistan Cricket Board officials. "We want to give our best performance on the field."
Yadav echoed similar sentiments, saying that the team was looking forward to playing against Pakistan and trying to win the match.
The Asia Cup Super Fours is a round-robin format where the top two teams from each group will compete in a knockout stage. India and Pakistan are both strong contenders for a spot in the final.
India has been on a roll, winning their last three matches, including a thrilling victory over Oman on Friday. The team has been led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been instrumental in their success with his consistent batting performances.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency and has lost two of their four matches so far. However, they have shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly in their match against Afghanistan where they chased down a target of 157 runs in just 16 overs.
The Super Fours match between India and Pakistan is expected to be an intense and closely contested affair. Both teams will look to put aside their differences and focus on the game at hand.
"We are looking forward to playing against India and trying to win the match," Agha said. "We know it won't be easy, but we are confident in our abilities."
The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm local time (1430 GMT) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
