Cricket lovers globally are already abuzz with anticipation as the scene gets set for the Asia Cup 2025 final. They especially can’t wait to see the unrelenting and pressure packed rivalry between India and Pakistan! All eyes will be on Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as the fixture would start at 07:30 PM LOCAL. That victory is even more special for other historic reasons – it’s the first final ever between these two cricketing parties in Asia Cup history. Former player and Pakistan Cricket Board administrator Ramiz Raja said he is looking forward to cricket being back in the spotlight. Waters hopes this is possible even as political partisanship has often sullied their rivalry.
The contest that’s about to be played Sunday would have undertaken place– and millions of fans were looking forward to seeing this rare clash. This final will be the third encounter between India and Pakistan in a mere 15 days. The level of their competition is pretty amazing! While India has sailed through the tournament without a loss, Pakistan’s only defeats have been against their arch-rivals.
Political Tensions Loom
Raja competed in 38 international matches against India from 1984 to 1997. He was an impassioned believer in the need to separate politics from baseball. He made a plea to both sides to keep the game at the center of their concern and not bring the contentious political conversation on to the cricket green.
“The temperature must be lowered and all eyes should be on the game of cricket,” – Ramiz Raja.
He shares his thoughts here, particularly in reaction to recent events that have marred the sport. These range from a dispute about a no-handshakes policy to inflammatory, partisan statements by various actors. In closing, Raja emphasized that players and fans have a collective duty to foster an environment that promotes positive sportsmanship.
“It is not only the responsibility of the cricket boards and players but also the fans, stakeholders, and social media commentators to demonstrate astuteness because the emotions are still raw. Everyone needs a moment of sanity,” – Ramiz Raja.
The poetic and historic connection between India and Pakistan fuels intense passion and sentiment. Raja has been a strong proponent of cricket’s true spirit coming to the fore. He further stated that the injection of politics into sport “poisons” the competition.
“It [mixing politics with sport] takes away the innocence of cricketers, as they are not geared to engage in political rhetoric,” – Ramiz Raja.
The Stakes Are High
India captain, Suryakumar Yadav, will be hoping to lead his team into battle with Pakistan captain, Salman Agha. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams! India has won seven international matches against Pakistan since their last defeat in September 2022, making them favorites going into this final.
The mood on and around the dramatic final crackles with energy. This intensity comes as much from a history of outcomes as it does from more recent experiences with players. Following their second encounter against India on 21 September, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf along with fellow opener Sahibzada Farhan faced uproar for their obscene gestures. In retaliation the ICC called them to their headquarters for questioning.
Raja’s observations are more than just statistics. He says it will be the strongest test for both teams to date. He asked a question that encapsulated exactly how unpredictable and unreliable Pakistan has been in all of their most important matches.
“The debate should be whether Pakistan will lift their game [in the final] or if it will be a third-time malfunction [against India],” – Ramiz Raja.
Besides making a spirited case for this landmark match, former fast bowler Morne Morkel was excited about the future.
“Let’s look forward to the battle on Sunday,” – Morne Morkel.
A Global Audience Awaits
The excitement around this final is off the charts, with millions set to watch to see this historic matchup. The world’s attention has been drawn to this quarterfinal matchup. Their interest extends past mere cricketing prowess; it accentuates the deeply political context permeating both countries.
Raja hit the nail on the head when he said this. He argued that competitive quality and high skill floors matter, but that’s not what brings people in—it’s all about the historical context.
“The entire world waits for this contest not because of the skill levels of the players or the quality of contest, but due to the political needle between these two countries,” – Ramiz Raja.
As the final approaches, cricket enthusiasts hope for a display of sportsmanship and skill that underscores the true spirit of the game.
