NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has claimed that India’s decision to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup without resistance has “killed the hype” of the much-anticipated clash, scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As per the Union Sports Ministry’s notification, India is allowed to play Pakistan in international or multilateral tournaments, but not in bilateral series. The BCCI’s participation in the Asia Cup, an eight-team event, is therefore in line with government policy.
Yet Latif believes that the absence of obstacles has dulled anticipation. “I’m surprised to know that this time, India agreed to play Pakistan very easily and that’s why there is no hype around the match,” Latif told IANS. “Things get hyped when it is censored or there is any hurdle. The tickets are still selling in Dubai and this is the first time.”
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The 56-year-old also pointed to soaring ticket prices as another reason for the subdued build-up. “Otherwise, wherever they play, be it in Centurion, Sydney or in Chennai, it is houseful every time. The people will surely come and it will be a packed house. The ticket prices are also very high. However, the match will get hype from tomorrow, and it will be a good contest,” he added.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opened their campaign with a crushing nine-wicket win over UAE, while Pakistan will face Oman on Friday before the marquee clash.India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev urged fans to keep politics out of sport. “Just go and win. Those whose job is to play should just focus on playing — there’s no need to say anything else. The government will do its job, and the players should do theirs,” Kapil had said earlier in the day.
