Fervour high as India and Pakistan meet in politically-charged clash

A new-look Indian and Pakistani teams are set to face off in the politically charged, the most –anticipated clash of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.

This is for the first time the neighbouring nations will play after recent skirmishes at the border following Pahalgam attacks. India attacked Pakistan in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, which led to the exchange of artillery between the military of both the countries.

The build-up to the match has been more tense than ever and it was palpable in the camps of both the teams. All the press conferences given by any member of either side have been dominated by the questions regarding the mood in the camp following the war.

Players have tried their best to duck such questions but the reflection of the mood of their nations is apparent in their diplomatic answers.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate urged players to keep aside their emotions and focus on the match with respect for the feelings of their respective countrymen.

"It is a very sensitive issue and I've no doubt that the players share the same compassion and feeling as that of the majority of the Indians.

"The Asia Cup was hanging in a limbo for a long time as we were waiting for a nod. We didn't think we would come to the tournament at one stage," said Ten Doeschate.

India’s participation in the tourney was cleared only after the government cleared their stance of not playing in the bilateral series while they can face off their arch-rivals in the continental events or at the world stage.

"You know what the stance of the Indian government now is. The players have to put the sentiments and the emotions behind. That's what we addressed in the team’s meeting today.

"We're aware of people's feelings but at the same time we've got to go out and the guys get a chance to play for their country, and they'll be as professional and focused as they can be in these circumstances," added the former Dutch all-rounder.

The waiting period was frustrating once we got the confirmation of playing in the Asia cup, our focus has been on cricket. As I said, ‘we have not prepared for the match any differently. At the same time, we are aware of the sentiments of the people back home,” he added.

However, he also accepted that going by the current form and the past record, India are favourites as they have an edge on their rivals.

“To be honest, going by the recent form, India will start as favourites on Sunday. We will be fully focused on the game till the last delivery of the match,” he stressed.

India have a better head-to-head record at the ICC events, winning 10 out of 13 times against their arch-rivals. India are also on a winning spree since lifting the World Cup in 2024.

Both the teams are playing without their stalwart players. India are playing their first Asia Cup match in a decade sans former captain Rohit Sharma and flamboyant batter Virat Kohli.

Both the players brought the curtain down on their T20 career following their victory in the World Cup last year. While Pakistan dropped ace players like Mohammad Rizwan and ex-captain Babar Azam due their below par performances in the recent past.

India started their campaign with a record win against UAE. After bundling out UAE for a paltry 57, they sailed home in 27 balls for the loss of one wicket. Pakistan also registered a thumping win against Oman, beating them by a huge margin of 93 runs.

Pakistan spinners did a commendable job in the recently-concluded tri-series. They also picked a spin-heavy squad for the Oman clash. They played with four spinners Sam Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed. They shared six wickets among them with Ayub picking two for his eight.

After the match against Oman, Ayub stressed that they will assess the conditions before picking up the squad for the India match.

Regarding the team combination, we will try to evaluate the conditions. It all depends on how the pitch looks. If it appears drier, we feel spinners will play a key role, so we go with three spinners. If we think a fast bowler is more important, then the coaches decide what to do,” said Ayub.

“We as a team trust each other, and we keep backing one another so that the players remain confident. Everyone steps up in winning matches at different times,” Ayub added.

The wily spinner is yet to play any international game against India. He downplayed the hype around the match.

"It is going to be a big match for the people. We do not see it like this as a team. We will make sure that we follow the same process in the next match," Ayub said.

Ayub’s form with the bat can be a concern for the team as well as for him. His highest score in the tri-series was 21 and he continued it the Asia Cup as he was dismissed for a duck that too against Oman.