India and Pakistan are set to face each other in their first Super Four stage match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has expressed support for Suryakumar Yadav‘s team.“India will win the match,” Shukla told ANI.The teams previously met in the group stage, where India secured a seven-wicket victory.
This match marks their second encounter following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and Operation Sindoor by Indian Armed Forces in May. In their first meeting, India successfully chased 128 runs, losing only three wickets. Kuldeep Yadav earned Player of the Match with figures of 3/18, limiting Pakistan to 127/9.The post-match events garnered attention when Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube left without shaking hands with the Pakistani team. Television footage showed the Indian team closing their door on Pakistan. The Indian captain dedicated the victory to the armed forces and expressed support for the Pahalgam attack victims.Pakistan’s response included skipping the post-match presentation, with coach Mike Hesson addressing the media instead of captain Salman Agha. The PCB filed a complaint against Pycroft, citing violations of ICC Code of Conduct and MCC cricket spirit laws.Pakistan then cancelled their pre-match press conference before their UAE match. The team remained in their hotel, with PCB threatening tournament withdrawal if Pycroft wasn’t removed. After an hour’s delay and a meeting between Pycroft and Pakistan’s leadership, the match proceeded, resulting in Pakistan’s victory and Super Four qualification.It was widely reported that Pycroft had learned about the ‘no handshake’ protocol just minutes before the toss from the ACC venue manager. He merely conveyed the message rather than creating the instruction. The PCB later released a statement claiming Pycroft apologised during their meeting. The ICC considered responding to clarify the situation. Despite concerns raised during the meeting, PCB released a video without audio of the interaction.These off-field events might influence both teams’ approach to the upcoming match. India continues its aggressive cricket style, while Pakistan, known for unpredictability in T20Is, might use recent events as motivation for improved performance.
