Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Agha warns India ahead of Super Four clash — “We’re ready for any challenge”
Salman Agha’s Pakistan enter Super Four after UAE win, eye India clash in Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, booked their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The victory sets up another high-voltage clash against India on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai. The qualification comes after Pakistan’s disappointing seven-wicket defeat to India on September 14, which was followed by the no-handshake controversy. With pressure mounting, Agha assured that his side is prepared to bounce back strongly. Asia Cup: “We’re ready for any challenge. We just want to play good cricket, and if we continue the way we’ve been playing over the last few months, we’ll be good against any team,” Agha said at the post-match presentation. In the earlier group-stage encounter against India, Pakistan managed only 127/9 in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Asia Cup, Kuldeep Yadav starred with three wickets, while Suryakumar Yadav (47*), Abhishek Sharma (31), and Tilak Varma (31) powered India to victory in just 15.5 overs with seven wickets to spare. Asia Cup: “We haven’t played our best cricket yet.” – Salman Agha on Pakistan’s batting struggles Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted that his team’s inability to capitalize in the middle overs has been holding them back from posting challenging totals in the 170–180 range. The skipper himself has found it tough to settle in the middle order, while opener Saim Ayub is still searching for his first run of the tournament after three consecutive ducks. Asia Cup: “We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle overs. That’s been a concern for a few games now. Even though we’re managing to reach around 150, if we play better through the middle, we can consistently push for 170–180 against any side. So yes, that’s the key area we must work on,” Salman explained. All eyes will now be on Pakistan as they look to avenge their group-stage defeat to India when the two sides meet again in Dubai on Sunday. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Varun Chakravarthy rises to No.1 as Indian players dominate ICC T20I bowling rankings
Varun Chakravarthy is currently representing India in the Asia Cup 2025. The spinner has made history by becoming only the third Indian to claim the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, thanks to his disciplined performances in the opening matches of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 34-year-old climbed three places to the top after returning figures of 1/4 in two overs against the UAE and 1/24 in four overs against Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy, With this rise, he joined the elite company of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi, the only other Indians to hold the No. 1 position. Chakravarthy’s previous career-best was second place, achieved in February 2025. He displaced New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who had occupied the top spot since March. Varun Chakravarthy: Other bowlers in the Asia Cup have also made significant gains. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara surged six places to reach sixth, while Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem (up four to 11th) and Abrar Ahmed (up 11 to a career-best 16th) climbed rapidly. Among Indians, Axar Patel rose to 12th, and Kuldeep Yadav jumped 16 places to 23rd. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed also broke into the top 25, moving up eight spots. Pace bowlers have enjoyed progress as well: Bumrah rose four places to 40th, Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan advanced five to 42nd, England’s Jofra Archer moved three to 13th, and South Africa’s Marco Jansen improved by five to 38th. Varun Chakravarthy: Abhishek Sharma Holds Top Spot in ICC T20I Batting Rankings India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has strengthened his position at the summit of the ICC T20I batting rankings. His explosive innings of 30 off 16 balls against the UAE and 31 off 13 against Pakistan earned him 55 rating points, taking his total to 884. England’s opening duo, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, climbed one spot each to second and third, respectively, following their stellar performances in the second T20I against South Africa in Manchester. Varun Chakravarthy, Salt’s unbeaten 141 off 60 balls—the highest score and fastest T20I century by an England batter—brought him closer to his career-best No. 1 ranking, while Buttler’s 83 off 30 deliveries propelled him to a career-high 794 rating points, marking his first entry into the top three. Varun Chakravarthy: Other notable gains in the rankings include Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (up one place to sixth), South Africa’s Dewald Brevis (up two to 11th), Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz (up two to 19th), UAE’s Mohammad Waseem (up two to 20th), South Africa’s Aiden Markram (up 10 to 30th), India’s Shubman Gill (up four to 39th), and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (up 18 to 55th). Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
ICC denies PCB’s demand to remove Andy Pycroft as Asia Cup 2025 match referee
Andy Pycroft served as the match referee during Sunday’s high-profile clash between India and Pakistan. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Pycroft from his role in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The demand came after the PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands at the toss. According to MCC guidelines, shaking hands with the opposition before or after a match is not mandatory, which partly explains the PCB’s frustration over the Indian players’ actions. The ICC may respond by clarifying this rule to the PCB. Asia Cup: The PCB claimed that the refusal of Indian players to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts constitutes a breach of the player code of conduct. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the match referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws relating to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup,” PCB chairman Naqvi stated in a social media post on Monday. Asia Cup: PCB Faces Negative Response from ICC on Demand to Remove Match Referee Cricbuzz has reported that it is highly unlikely the ICC will accede to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s request to remove Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup match refereeing panel. It remains unclear whether the ICC has formally responded to Naqvi’s letter. However, the general consensus is that there are insufficient grounds to approve the PCB’s demand. If an official reply has not yet been issued, one is expected shortly. Asia Cup: In response to the PCB’s concerns, the ICC stated that Pycroft had clarified the situation, refuting Pakistan’s claim that he was biased toward the Indian team. Pycroft reportedly informed Salman Agha about the ACC officials’ observations on the ground, effectively addressing Pakistan’s allegations. This issue has now cast a spotlight on Wednesday’s Pakistan-UAE match. The PCB has publicly stated that it will refuse to play if Pycroft (69) officiates the game. While it is uncertain whether the ACC, under PCB president Mohsin Naqvi, can influence the appointment of the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash, the ICC generally holds sole authority over all match official appointments, including umpires and referees. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
India Snub Post-Match Handshake with Pakistan, Walk Off While Salman Agha’s Team Awaits
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down 128 runs comfortably with 25 balls to spare. India Skips Post-Match Handshake After Dominant Win Over Pakistan Indian players did not participate in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan following the Group A clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who guided India past the finish line, headed straight to the dressing room after the game. India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down 128 with 25 balls to spare. While handshakes are more a tradition than a rule, Suryakumar and Dube, who shared an unbeaten 34-run partnership to complete the chase in just 15.5 overs, walked off the field without engaging with the opposition. According to reports, none of the Indian squad emerged from the dugout to greet the Pakistan players, despite captain Salman Ali Agha and his teammates waiting outside. The incident reportedly left Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson visibly frustrated. No handshakes after the game.. Pakistan waited for team India to come for the handshake, but they never came. #Shame. #INDvPAK #Asiacup2025 pic.twitter.com/usRlEwk32X — Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 14, 2025 Earlier in the evening, both captains did not shake hands after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, also avoiding eye contact. After submitting their team sheets to match referee Andy Pycroft, they spoke briefly with TV commentator Ravi Shastri, who conducted the toss, before heading back to their respective directions. Although the incident drew immediate attention from the cricket fraternity, a BCCI source, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, clarified that Suryakumar Yadav’s actions were not specific to Pakistan. The source noted that he had also refrained from shaking hands with UAE captain Muhammad Waseem during India’s tournament opener on Wednesday at the same venue. “Every tournament has its own set of rules and regulations. There are tournaments where protocol demands a handshake at the toss. For the record, Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with the UAE skipper during the last match’s toss as well,” the source added. India beat Pakistan; remain top of Group A India displayed absolute dominance to secure a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in a one-sided Asia Cup clash, with a comprehensive bowling performance leaving the Pakistan batters clueless. After winning the toss and electing to bat in Dubai, Pakistan suffered a nightmare start, losing their first two wickets within the opening eight deliveries. Hardik Pandya struck on the very first ball, followed by Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Mohammad Harris in the next over, reducing Pakistan to a fragile position. India’s spinners then took control in the middle overs, with Axar Patel (2/18 in 4 overs), Kuldeep Yadav (3/18 in 4 overs), and Varun Chakravarthy (1/24 in 4 overs) bowling immaculate lines. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for a mere 127/9, at least 50 runs below par. In reply, Abhishek Sharma started explosively against Shaheen Shah Afridi, scoring 31 runs off just 13 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav celebrated his 35th birthday with a classy 47 not out off 37 balls. India, who had beaten the UAE by nine wickets in their tournament opener, remain at the top of the table and are now one win away from securing a spot in the Super 4s. They will next face Oman on Friday at the same venue. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Arshdeep Singh’s Spot in Playing XI Uncertain: India vs Pakistan Predicted Lineups Revealed
Arshdeep Singh can realistically return to the XI only by replacing a spinner, though that scenario seems unlikely. India vs Pakistan: High-Stakes Asia Cup 2025 Clash Preview Arshdeep Singh: The stage is set for the biggest Group A clash in the Asia Cup 2025, as arch-rivals India and Pakistan prepare to face each other. Off the field, the match carries a tense undertone, with boycott calls from sections of Indian supporters overshadowing the pre-match build-up. Despite the external noise, the players remain focused on securing two crucial points in the multi-nation tournament. India began their campaign with a dominant performance against the UAE, showcasing a clinical all-round display in Dubai. Arshdeep Singh: India’s playing XI for the mega clash is likely to remain unchanged, particularly in the batting line-up. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, fresh from their fiery start against the UAE, will aim to replicate that aggression. With Suryakumar Yadav batting at No.3 in the last game, Sanju Samson is expected to take the No.4 or No.5 spot. Shivam Dube has also cemented his place after an impressive bowling display against the UAE, where he claimed three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah is set to remain the frontline pacer, supported by all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Dube. Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion seems unlikely unless India decides to replace a spinner. Kuldeep Yadav impressed in the opener, Varun Chakaravarthy’s variations could trouble Pakistan’s batters, and Axar Patel remains a near-certain starter. Pakistan, despite a below-par batting display against Oman, are expected to retain their XI. Their focus will be on improving the batting performance, particularly against India’s strong bowling attack, which presents a far sterner challenge than their previous opponents. Check India vs Pakistan Predicted Playing XIs India: Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
When was the last time India played Pakistan in a T20I, and what was the outcome?
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 is set for 14th September at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The encounter will be the sixth match of the tournament and promises another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two cricketing giants. T20I: Both teams enter the contest with strong momentum. Suryakumar Yadav’s India demolished the UAE by nine wickets, while Salman Agha’s Pakistan secured a dominant 93-run victory over Oman. With both Oman and UAE suffering opening defeats, the winner of this match will book a spot in the Super Four, making this battle crucial for both sides. India and Pakistan have produced countless thrilling moments in T20Is over the years. Though the contests often go down to the wire, it is India who hold the upper hand historically, boasting the majority of wins in their head-to-head meetings. When Did India Last Face Pakistan in a T20I? India and Pakistan are set to face each other again after a gap of seven months. Their most recent encounter was at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Rohit Sharma’s side comfortably defeated Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the T20I format, their last clash came during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. It was a thrilling contest in which India snatched a narrow six-run victory over Pakistan. Asked to bat first on a challenging pitch in New York, India managed just 119 runs. Rishabh Pant, batting at number three, top-scored with a resilient 42. T20I Contributions also came from Axar Patel (20) and Rohit Sharma (13), while the rest of the batting lineup struggled for single-digit scores. T20I: Chasing the target, Pakistan seemed in control at 73/2, with Mohammad Rizwan playing a brilliant 31. However, Jasprit Bumrah produced a game-changing spell, reducing Pakistan to 107/7 in no time. Pakistan could only reach 113/7, giving India a thrilling six-run win. Bumrah claimed three wickets, Hardik Pandya took two, and both Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also chipped in with wickets. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Team India Responds to Pakistan Clash Amid Boycott Calls: ‘Once BCCI Approves…’
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the team’s approach to playing against Pakistan amid ongoing boycott calls. He emphasized that the squad is concentrating solely on preparing for the match and putting their performance on the field first, leaving external controversies aside. Kotak Emphasises Focus Amid India-Pakistan Asia Cup Controversy Team India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has reiterated that the squad’s focus remains on performing against Pakistan in the Group A match of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. He stressed that there is no room for distractions from outside noise within the camp. As the match approaches, calls for a boycott have intensified, with many fans in India expressing displeasure over the decision to play Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Social media is abuzz with criticism of the BCCI for agreeing to the fixture despite national sentiment. Before the tournament, the Indian government clarified its policy, permitting teams to face Pakistan in multilateral events. After the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Many expected India to take a firm stand in multi-nation tournaments, but the Asia Cup schedule proved otherwise. India could potentially face Pakistan three times in this edition of the Asia Cup—first in the group stage on Sunday, then in the Super 4s, and possibly in the final. Kotak emphasised that the team must stay focused on the game rather than external controversies. “Once we are here to play, we are focused on playing cricket. I personally don’t think there is anything on my mind apart from playing cricket. That is what we are focusing on,” Kotak told reporters in Dubai on Friday. “I think for players and us, once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and play. It will be a competitive game. IND vs Pak is always competitive, so we would rather focus on that,” he added. The handshake saga Earlier this week, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav faced trolling and criticism on social media after a video emerged showing him shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the official captain’s press conference. Suryakumar was also seen greeting Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. Following India’s game against the UAE, he spoke about his team’s excitement to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Reports suggest that ticket sales for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash are underwhelming, with many seats still available. Several prominent social media handles in India have confirmed via X that they plan to boycott the match. With the current public mood, it remains uncertain whether television ratings will soar or see a decline during the highly anticipated contest. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Matthew Hayden’s daring bet: Promises to walk naked if Joe Root scores a century in Ashes 2025-26
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has expressed confidence that England’s Joe Root will register his first Test century in Australia during the Ashes 2025-26. Root is expected to play a pivotal role for England in the highly anticipated series later this year. Root, who has scored over 13,500 runs, is the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar, with 39 centuries to his name. Despite his prolific career, he has yet to score a Test century on Australian soil. In 14 Tests in Australia, Root has accumulated 892 runs, including nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 89. Interestingly, all four of Root’s Test centuries against Australia have come at home in England. The 34-year-old has also never reached triple figures in Australia in ODIs or T20Is. As a result, the Ashes 2025-26 presents him with a chance to achieve his maiden century in Australia across international formats. Matthew Hayden promises to walk nude at MCG if Joe Root fails to score a century Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden has made a bold prediction ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, expressing confidence that England’s Joe Root will break his century drought in Australia. Speaking on the All Over Bar the Cricket podcast on YouTube, Matthew Hayden jokingly declared that he would walk nude around the Melbourne Cricket Ground if Root fails to score a hundred during the series. “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer,” Matthew Hayden said. Root has been in sensational form in Test cricket since 2021. During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, he surpassed the likes of Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Matthew Hayden also topped the charts for England in the five-match series, amassing 537 runs at an average of 67.12. The Ashes 2025-26 is set to begin on November 21 with the opening Test in Perth, while the fifth and final Test will take place from January 4-8, 2026, in Sydney. This series will mark the second Test series for both England and Australia in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-27 cycle. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Idhar Mat Dekho”: Suryakumar Yadav Reacts to Muhammad Waseem’s Cheeky Move – Watch
Suryakumar Yadav shared a light-hearted moment with UAE captain Muhammad Waseem during the toss ahead of their Asia Cup clash. Suryakumar Yadav Shares Light Moment at Toss A jovial Suryakumar Yadav won the toss in India’s opening Asia Cup 2025 game, opting to have the United Arab Emirates bat first in Dubai. Introduced by Sanjay Manjrekar and asked to flip the coin while UAE captain Muhammad Waseem made the call, Suryakumar shared a playful moment with his counterpart, resulting in broad smiles from both players. Just before tossing the coin, Suryakumar leaned over to Waseem, grinned, covered the coin, and said, “Idhar mat dekho (don’t look here),” prompting laughter and a light-hearted exchange between the two skippers. A jovial Suryakumar Yadav won the toss in India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener, opting to have the United Arab Emirates bat first in Dubai. Introduced by Sanjay Manjrekar and asked to flip the coin while UAE captain Muhammad Waseem made the call, Suryakumar shared a playful moment with his counterpart, resulting in broad smiles from both players. Just before tossing the coin, Suryakumar leaned over to Waseem, grinned, covered the coin, and said, “Idhar mat dekho (don’t look here),” prompting laughter and a light-hearted exchange between the two skippers. The friendly banter continued as the pair crossed paths after the toss presentation. They exchanged words, parted with smiles, and demonstrated a mutual respect for each other ahead of the contest. Change of toss fortunes for India Captain Suryakumar Yadav ended India’s long run of bad luck at the toss, marking the first time in 15 attempts that an Indian captain won the toss in international cricket. Choosing to bowl first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, he asked opening batter Muhammad Waseem to face up under the evening lights, aiming to capitalize on chasing conditions. India’s lineup for the opener features Shubman Gill partnering Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson takes on a new role in the middle order. Jasprit Bumrah leads as the lone frontline seamer, supported by Hardik Pandya and potentially Shivam Dube, who remains a key player in the shortest format. A trio of spinners, combined with a strong contingent of all-rounders, completes India’s balanced squad for the opening match. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Virat Kohli’s Fierce Persona Compared to Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Angry Young Man’: A Post-Fab Four Necessity for India
Bangar stated that Kohli’s fiery demeanor mirrors his true personality, reminiscent of the intensity and defiance of Bachchan’s 1970s “angry young man” era. Sanjay Bangar Compares Virat Kohli’s On-Field Fire to Amitabh Bachchan’s “Angry Young Man” Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar drew a striking parallel between Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field persona and Amitabh Bachchan’s legendary “angry young man” roles that defined Bollywood in the 1970s. Kohli, known for his aggressive attitude, never hesitated to confront opponents, constantly keeping pressure on them. During his captaincy, India adopted an assertive approach in Test cricket, achieving a historic series win in Australia, challenging strongly in England and South Africa, and instilling the belief that the team could succeed anywhere in the world. Bangar explained that Kohli’s intensity wasn’t just a show, but a true reflection of his personality, reminiscent of the defiance that defined Bachchan’s iconic roles. “Virat Kohli has a natural character, like brash, in your face, and that was his natural character. A natural character always feels right. Why did Amitabh Bachchan’s films work in the 1975-1980 era? It was because there was this thought of an angry young man, and in the Indian society, anger was somewhere simmering,” Bangar said on DD Sports. “Virat Kohli had to take cricket forward after Fab 4 retired” Former India coach Sanjay Bangar believes Virat Kohli’s aggressive approach arrived at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket. With the “Fab Four” — Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly — retired, the team faced a leadership and identity gap. Bangar emphasised that Indian cricket needed a fresh voice to usher in a new era of intensity and competitiveness. “Indian cricket needed some aggression because our fabulous four had retired, and Kohli had to take cricket forward, which he did in his own style. He changed India’s image completely in how they approach Test cricket,” Bangar added. Earlier this year, Kohli retired from Test cricket after playing 123 matches in his 14-year red-ball career. Making his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies, he became India’s standout batter after Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013. Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, at an average of 46.85. He also captained India in 68 Tests, becoming the nation’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!