The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan has set the stage for one of the most anticipated cricket battles in recent history. The Dubai International Stadium will host the mega clash on Sunday, with tickets already sold out well in advance. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have been unbeaten throughout the tournament and enter the final as strong favourites against Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan.
But despite the high-voltage encounter, no Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials will be present at the stadium to witness the clash. This absence has raised eyebrows, especially with the spotlight firmly on this high-stakes final.
Reports suggest that the BCCI had already decided not to send representatives for any India–Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, including the group stage and Super 4s, following public sentiments and boycott calls.
Adding to this, the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Mumbai on Sunday, where Mithun Manhas officially replaced Roger Binny as the new board president. Key officials, including secretary Devajit Saikia and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, attended the meeting. Though the meeting concluded early, the newly elected team decided not to fly to Dubai for the big game, continuing their stance from earlier matches.
Interestingly, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who is also an executive board member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has also refrained from travelling. On the other hand, ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who doubles up as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister of Pakistan, has already reached Dubai and is expected to present the trophy to the winners.
This situation could spark controversy if India win and the players choose not to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi or avoid a customary handshake.
Also Read: Sanju Samson Set to Make History in Asia Cup Final: Records in Sight for India’s Wicketkeeper-Batter
India remain favourites
On the cricketing front, India are clear favourites. Their dominance in the tournament has been remarkable, defeating every opponent with authority. The only close contest came in the Super 4s against Sri Lanka, which stretched into a Super Over — yet India held their nerve even without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Against Pakistan, India have already secured two convincing victories in this campaign — once in the group stage and again in the Super 4s, both by seven wickets. Youngster Abhishek Sharma’s match-winning knocks have been the decisive factor in both encounters.
With momentum, form, and confidence on their side, Suryakumar Yadav’s men will aim to lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy, even if the celebrations may come with a touch of political tension off the field.
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