DUBAI: Pakistani supporters gathered in large numbers at the ICC Academy on Saturday to welcome their team before the eagerly awaited Asia Cup 2025 final versus India.
The environment was charged, with fans shouting national phrases like “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan.”
Star Players Receive Special Attention
The focus was definitely on opener Sahibzada Farhan and fast bowler Haris Rauf, whose presence elicited enthusiastic applause and genuine appreciation from the audience. Supporters expressed that both athletes had “captured their hearts,” and the pair replied affectionately, shaking hands and interacting with fans before going to practice.
Situated only 1.2 kilometres away from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the ICC Academy resonated with shouts of “O Shahzada…!” and “Farhan Bhai, once more…!” In the meantime, Pashtun supporters conveyed their good wishes to Fakhar Zaman in Pashto, stating “Best of luck.”
Historic Final Against India
As the crucial final approaches in just one day, the excitement among Pakistani fans in Dubai has skyrocketed, as they anticipate watching their beloved stars compete in the historic match on Sunday.
The Green Shirts secured a spot in the final against India by narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a Super Fours match on September 25. This will be the first occasion in the tournament’s history that the arch-rivals meet in the finals.
The 2016 winners have triumphed over all rivals on their way before confidently advancing to the final of the eight-team event.
Controversy Adds Tension
Pakistan lost on two occasions, initially in the group stage and subsequently in the Super Fours, to an India team featuring the world’s top-ranked batsman and bowler in T20, opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
The two teams will clash in the final match, with tensions still running high because of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s contentious behavior in their group game on September 14. Analysts labeled his choice to avoid a traditional handshake at the toss and his political remarks during the post-match interview as “unprecedented” and “harmful to the essence of the game.”
After a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially censured Yadav for his political comments, urging him to avoid similar conduct in the future.
In spite of the intense atmosphere, Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha conveyed his enthusiasm for the final versus India. “The level of pressure faced by both teams will be identical.” “We will do our utmost to secure victory in the final,” he stated.
