Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: The build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan has taken another dramatic turn after a video of Haris Rauf interacting with fans went viral after the Asia Cup clash against Bangladesh. Both sides' fans' emotions are sky-high before Sunday's clash in Dubai and the exchange has added to the intensity surrounding one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket.
Pakistan booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 11-run triumph over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Men In Green were defending a modest total of 135/8, Pakistan's bowlers delivered under pressure with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf both claiming three wickets to seal the victory.
After the match, Rauf walked over to the stands to greet supporters. while shaking hands, one fan emotionally grabbd his arm and pleaded, “Badla lena hai. India ko chhodna nahi hai. Khuda ka vaasta!” The pacer comforted the supporter and then left with a few flying kisses as the moment got caught on camera and quickly spread across social media.
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been about more than just cricket but this year's Asia Cup has taken it to another level. Even the geopolitical tensions escalated the things further following the Pahalgam incident followed by India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after a dominant victory during the group stage.
The no-handshake snub didn't go well with Pakistan and they even threatened to boycott the tournament. Yet, they stayed on and faced India again in the Super Four where another loss deepened frustrations. Tempers flared on the pitch too with Afridi and Rauf accused of using provocative gestures that many saw as political statements.
Adding to the fire, India’s Suryakumar Yadav dismissed the rivalry with his comment that “there is no rivalry anymore” after the Super Four win, which sparked outrage among Pakistani fans. Social media was soon flooded with comparisons, statistics and heated debates.
For fans across both nations, the final isn't just about lifting the Asia Cup; in fact, it's more than that, it's about pride, bragging rights and settling scores. Pakistan’s victory over Bangladesh may have secured their spot but for many supporters, the real battle lies in overcoming India in the title clash as they lost both encounters in the tournament.
On Sunday, when both teams will walk out in Dubai, the stakes will be higher than ever with history, politics and passion all rolled into 22 yards.
