Asia Cup 2025 Final: Trophy Photoshoot Between India Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Likely Not to Happen

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Because of ongoing tensions between the two countries, the usual joint trophy photoshoot before the match might not happen. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav has already beaten Pakistan twice in the tournament making this final another exciting and intense clash between the two neighbors, especially after some controversies in their earlier games.

According to Cricket Pakistan, the usual trophy photoshoot with the captains of India and Pakistan might not happen before the final. Organizers said on Saturday that no joint session was planned but a last-minute decision could still be made before the game starts. If it is cancelled, it would be the first time in a long while that both finalists don’t pose together with the trophy. India and Pakistan are playing their first Asia Cup final in 41 years. Earlier in the tournament, Indian players avoided handshakes with Pakistani players, which also caused concerns for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Fans are talking online about whether the India and Pakistan captains will pose with the Asia Cup trophy. Some see it as political tension, while many Indian fans support their team. The final is expected to have record viewers. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha will talk to the media at 7 p.m. Saturday and the team will have a three-hour practice in Dubai to get ready and boost morale.

Toss Tensions: Suryakumar Yadav Snubs Pakistan Captain

The controversy between India and Pakistan players started in the group stage when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. After winning, Suryakumar and his teammates, including Shivam Dube went straight to the dressing room, leaving Pakistan’s players waiting. Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema complained about this and match referee Andy Pycroft later apologized, calling it a “misunderstanding.”

Tensions continued in the Super 4s match, with Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi from Pakistan clashing with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill from India. Haris made a mocking gesture at the Indian crowd, and Sahibzada Farhan used a controversial gun celebration. The ICC held a hearing after the BCCI complained. Farhan got a warning, while Haris Rauf and Suryakumar Yadav were fined 30% of their match fees for their actions and earlier comments including Suryakumar dedicating a win to the armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam attack.

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