The stage is almost set for cricket’s continental crown. The Asia Cup begins on 9 September in the United Arab Emirates, and once again the draw has placed India and Pakistan in the same group. The possibility of a group clash followed by a rematch in the final has already raised the anticipation.
Even before the first ball is bowled, the verbal duel between the two old foes has begun. Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf made a bold claim during training in Dubai, declaring that his side would beat India twice in the competition.
Pakistan’s squad travelled to Dubai immediately after the team was announced and have already started preparations with practice matches. During one of their training sessions, a supporter reminded Rauf that Pakistan might face India twice. The pacer confidently replied, “We will beat them both times.” His words sent the fans into raptures and the video quickly went viral on social media.
The reaction from India was sharp. Indian fans dismissed the statement as typical pre-tournament bravado, accusing Pakistan of talking big before matches and then struggling when the real contest begins. They pointed to a string of recent results as evidence.
India defeated Pakistan with ease earlier this year in the Champions Trophy group stage in Dubai. Before that, in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan failed to chase even 120 against India. The 2023 ODI World Cup in India also ended in defeat for Pakistan, as did the 2022 T20 World Cup when Virat Kohli produced a memorable innings. The head-to-head record in ICC events remains firmly in India’s favour.
Pakistan will head into this Asia Cup without two senior stalwarts. Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been left out of the squad as selectors opted for a younger group. India, meanwhile, announced their side under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill making his return.
The group stage fixture between India and Pakistan on 14 September promises to be the marquee contest of the tournament. Alongside them in Group A are Oman and hosts United Arab Emirates. Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. With both giants placed in the same group, a semi-final meeting is impossible, but if they progress, fans could be treated to another epic final.