A Rivalry Like No Other: IND vs PAK Final (Source: AFP)
For the first time in 16 editions of the Asia Cup, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will battle it out in the tournament final. The Asia Cup has hosted countless memorable matches between India and Pakistan, but never before have the two made it all the way to the final together.
This long-awaited clash promises high-octane cricket, passionate fanfare, and, unfortunately, controversy.
Both teams earned their spot in Sunday’s summit clash (September 28) through contrasting paths. India entered through the Super 4s with dominant performances overall in the Asia Cup 2025, while Pakistan clawed their way in after a nail-biting 11-run win over Bangladesh on September 25.
A Rivalry Steeped In History
It would not be wrong to say that this final will add add another chapter to the famous and controversial rivalry.
India and Pakistan have previously met five times in tournament finals with more than three teams involved. India has come out on top twice -in the Benson & Hedges World Championship (1985) and the inaugural T20 World Cup (2007). Meanwhile, Pakistan holds the edge, having won three finals: the Austral-Asia Cup (1986, 1994) and the Champions Trophy (2017).
The Handshake Fiasco of Asia Cup 2025: When Cricket and Politics Collided
India’s Silent Gesture Sparks Uproar, Pakistan Cries Foul
What was expected to be a thrilling celebration of cricket has unfortunately been marred by off-field drama between the two cricketing giants. It all started during the group stage match between the two sides on September 14, when Indian players avoided handshakes with their counterparts. Things escalated further when Pakistan captain Agha Salman skipped the post-match presentation after losing the match by 7 wickets.
The controversy did not stop there. Matter further intensified as Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the team's win and performance to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
In response, the PCB filed an official complaint with the ICC and the 'Men In Green' even considered pulling out of the Asia Cup entirely, but eventually, they participated in the Super 4s match on September 21. With the tension at the top, similar drama can be expected from the final of the Asia Cup as well.
Cricket Deserves Better Than This On-Field Chaos
There is no denying that India vs Pakistan finals are among the most-watched events in global sports. But what should have been a celebration of this legendary rivalry has been affected by: politics.
The Indian team’s decision to skip handshakes may have been out of patriotism. Pakistan’s reaction has also risked escalating the tensions even further. Now the question is, has all this affected the game? Is this fair for the Sport?
Yes, it has, in the end, cricket should be about the 22 yards, the bat and ball, the fight for glory.
India Have the Momentum, but Never Count Pakistan Out
Keeping all this aside, and if just thinking purely from the cricketing standpoint, India are the more complete unit right now for the Asia Cup 2025 winners. They have been clinical throughout the tournament, with both their batting and bowling firing in sync. The bench strength, fitness levels, and execution have all aligned perfectly for Suryakumar Yadav's side.
Pakistan have looked shaky with the bat. Their over-reliance on their pace battery could be a concern in the final, especially if India bat deep into the innings.
Prediction? India, with their current form and composure, are the clear favourites. Still, one can never count out Pakistan. Time and again, they have flipped the script when the stakes are highest. Who can forget their stunning victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Indian side?
