Will fans in the UAE fans get to watch India-Pakistan matches thrice?

By K.R. Nayar

The Asia Cup has its own aura although it has had to survive many obstacles and did not take place every two years due to various reasons. However, some of the finest players in the game have displayed their skills and enthralled fans, among them being a future Prime Minister, Imran Khan. He had captained Pakistan in the 1986 edition that was held in Sri Lanka. 

Imran Khan during his playing days 

Like the first Asia Cup in 1984 was named after the cigarette company Rothmans, the second in 1986 too was backed by another cigarette company John Player Gold Leaf. India had pulled out of this tournament due to political reasons. Imran Khan could not lead Pakistan to victory in that tournament. In the final, Sri Lanka led by Duleep Mendis won by five wickets. The hero of the match was Arjuna Ranatunga who cracked a match winning 57. Ranatunga also won the Player of the Series, and later went on to captain Sri Lanka to their World Cup triumph in 1996 while Imran Khan had led Pakistan to a World Cup triumph in 1992.  Both captains became politicians after their cricketing career.  

Young fans line up to get Imran Khan's autograph at Dubai International Stadium

Although Imran Khan did not captain Pakistan in the Asia Cup against India, but he is a great supporter of India-Pakistan matches. Once during an interview with him in Dubai, when I asked about India-Pakistan matches, referring to Sharjah, he said: “Any young cricketer who could take the pressure of an India-Pakistan match in Sharjah had the potential and temperament to make it high. That is how we unearthed Waqar Younis. He first performed in Sharjah. The pressure during an India-Pakistan match in Sharjah is the highest the world."

Imran Khan at the Shyam Bhatia cricket museum in Dubai  

So it is this high pressure match that fans in the UAE are waiting to witness. In fact, UAE fans may be lucky to watch three India-Pakistan matches during this Asia Cup. After the August 28 match in Dubai, if both these team finish as the top two teams in their respective groups, they will meet again in the Super four round and could meet in the final as well. If Pakistan wins all the three clashes, they will equal India’s record of maximum wins while playing against each other. India and Pakistan have played each other 14 times and India has won eight of them, Pakistan winning five, and one game ending in no result. 

Both India and Pakistan teams have arrived in the UAE.  The third team that will join Group A alongside India and Pakistan will be decided from the Asia Cup Qualifiers being held in Oman. UAE lost to Kuwait by one wicket but recorded a 47 runs win over Singapore. Group B comprise Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

 

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