Pakistan and India have had some simmering tensions this summer. First, it was a deadly military conflict in May that sharpened the rivalry. Now it is cricket, the sport that has been testing the players on either side during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Salman Agha
Away from South Asia’s conflicted borders, the two teams are locking horns again in a Super Four contest of Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai international stadium. Salman Agha
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha sounded both frank and determined after chalking up a victory over a spirited United Arab Emirates side. Salman Agha
“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern… we’re still just finding our way to 150.” Salman Agha
Continuing, Agha said, “If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot — he’s already great with the ball,” he said. Salman Agha
Despite challenges, he expressed a resolve to make a match of it against India.
“We’re ready for any challenge, and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side.”
The first match between them generated a lot of controversy as India players walked off the field after their victory, refusing the customary handshake between the two sides.
Pakistan blamed Umpire Andy Pycroft for breach of conduct after he asked the captains not to shake hands at the start of the match. Pakistan lodged a protest and sought ICC’s removal of the controversial umpire. The ICC refused to act in response to Pakistani request.
It’s unknown under what authority did the umpire ask the two captains not to shake hands.
Nevertheless, the umpire later apologized to Pakistani team management and the captain for his inexplicable conduct, a decision which allowed Pakistan to go ahead with their match against the United Arab Emirates.
While Indian cricket team has come under fire for refusing a handshake with the opposition team – making a mockery of the traditions of gentlemen’s sport – Pakistanis skipped the post-match Press conference.
Once the green shirts landed on the ground, there was no holding them back. They not only easily defeated a spirited UAE side but also set up another clash with archrival India.
However, some worries still lingered on for mostly a young Pakistani side.
The top and middle order batters’ vulnerability to quality bowling again upset experts and fans.
While seasoned left-handed opener Fakhr Zaman regained his aggressive form with a 50, highly talented Saim Ayub failed to click again. Even Salman Agha’s 20 runs did not show his prowess as a batter.
The most cheerful feature in the side has been fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has played two cracking innings studded with a flurry of sixes. Against India he smashed 33 runs off just 16 balls, hitting four massive sixes. Against the UAE, he scored quickfire 29 runs and also took two wickets for 16 runs in Man of the Match performance.
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Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 20 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 2010.
