Timeline of controversies in last 14 days

For the first time in 41 years of the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan collide in a final. The setting could not be grander. Dubai International Stadium on a Sunday night, will be a packed house, and millions more watching around the world. India arrive unbeaten, built on the runs of Abhishek Sharma and the spin trio’s stranglehold.

Pakistan, inconsistent for large parts, have found momentum late, with Shaheen Afridi rediscovering his bite. However, they really need to form crucial runs with the bat and that could be difficult with Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha in poor forms.

Yet this isn’t just another India–Pakistan fixture. Over the past two weeks, the rivalry has been shaped as much by headlines away from the pitch as by runs and wickets. From handshake snubs to political dedications, and from gun-mimicking celebrations to ICC sanctions, the India vs Pakistan drama has added life into this Asia Cup. Before the first ball of the final is bowled, the story of this campaign is already unlike any other.

Timeline of Flashpoints: India vs Pakistan at Asia Cup 2025

Sep 14 – Group Stage clash, Dubai

• India won by 7 wickets, with Kuldeep Yadav’s 3-for and Abhishek’s blitz setting up the chase.
• Suryakumar Yadav-led India declined to shake hands with Pakistani players, starting the “no-handshake” row.
• Post-match, Surya dedicated the win to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and referenced “Operation Sindoor,” leading PCB to lodge a protest over political messaging. Pakistani players were left stunned and Salman Agha didn’t turn up for post-match presentation.

Sep 15–17 – Fallout of the handshake row

• PCB demanded match referee Andy Pycroft be replaced; ICC rejected the demand.
• Pakistan delayed its match versus UAE by an hour in protest. That could’ve eliminated Pakistan from the tournament.
• A leaked video of Pycroft apologising went public, prompting ICC to warn PCB for filming inside restricted zones.

Sep 21 – Super Four clash, Dubai

• India chased 172, Abhishek Sharma blasting 74 to seal their highest T20I chase against Pakistan.
• India’s dominance continued: after dropped catches early, they sealed the match comfortably.
• The no-handshake continued at the toss but this time, Pakistan were prepared.
• Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his fifty with a gunshot mimic, and Haris Rauf followed with a plane-crash gesture. Both acts were widely linked to political in nature.

Sep 22–25 – ICC steps in

• Suryakumar called Pakistan “not rivals anymore” given India’s unbeaten dominance, that left a sour taste in Pakistan’s mouth.
• ICC fined Surya and Haris Rauf 30% of their match fees; Farhan received an official warning.
• Indian cinema halls announced live screenings of the final; Pakistan organised public viewings. Dubai police issued strict guidelines, warning fans of fines and jail for misconduct.