Asia Cup 2025 Final: PCB demands Neutral Presenter, BCCI refuses amid India vs Pakistan Toss Controversy
Digital Desk
The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan in Dubai kicked off with fresh off-field drama, intensifying the historic rivalry. Reports reveal that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested a neutral presenter for the toss ceremony from the Asian Cricket Council, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) outright refused.
This led to an awkward moment where Indian commentator Ravi Shastri skipped interviewing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, with former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis stepping in instead.
The tension echoes earlier incidents in the tournament. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav had avoided shaking hands with Salman Agha during league and Super Four matches. Adding fuel to the fire, both teams ditched the traditional pre-match photo session with the Asia Cup trophy, highlighting the strained relations. Salman Agha had previously skipped a post-match press conference after a defeat, while Suryakumar's actions drew widespread attention.
On the field, India won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to exploit early conditions. A notable change saw Rinku Singh replacing the injured Hardik Pandya, bolstering India's batting lineup for the high-stakes clash. The match follows India's dominant run, including a Super Over victory against Sri Lanka and Tilak Varma's stellar 69-run knock in a previous game against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed India's three wins over Pakistan in three weeks as 'Operation Sindoor,' celebrating the team's ninth Asia Cup crown. However, controversies persisted, with Suryakumar's men reportedly refusing to collect the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Fans worldwide tuned in, with Dubai's stadium sold out despite nationwide boycotts and cinema screenings. As India eyes another title, questions loom over key players like Abhishek Sharma and Shaheen Afridi vying for Player of the Tournament. The final underscores not just cricketing prowess but the enduring India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, blending sport with geopolitics.