After navigating a tumultuous period marked by the infamous handshake controversy and withdrawal threats from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Team India is decisively shifting its attention back to the game. The squad is set to resume rigorous training sessions in Dubai this Tuesday, September 16. They are expected to arrive at the prestigious ICC Academy around 5:40 PM local time (7:10 PM IST), with practice commencing shortly after at 6:00 PM (7:30 PM IST).
Despite the significant off-field drama, India’s performance on the pitch remains undeterred. They have emerged as the first team to clinch a spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Their qualification was assured following the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) impressive victory over Oman, marking the UAE’s inaugural win of the tournament.
The UAE’s success was built on solid foundations, with both their openers scoring fluent half-centuries to set a formidable target of 172/5. Their bowling attack then dismantled Oman’s top order, securing four crucial wickets within the PowerPlay and effectively ending their chase. Spearheaded by paceman Junaid Siddique, Oman struggled to build any momentum and were ultimately eliminated from the competition.
This decisive outcome not only propelled the UAE forward but also solidified India’s position in the Super 4s, well ahead of their final group-stage encounter. With victories already secured against both the UAE and their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, India proudly sits at the top of Group A, boasting an impressive net run rate.
With Oman officially out and India safely through, their upcoming match against Oman has now become a mere formality.
However, intense competition continues elsewhere in the tournament. The UAE is now slated to face Pakistan in what is essentially a high-stakes virtual knockout game. The victor of this crucial match will advance to the Super 4 stage alongside India, while the defeated team will be eliminated from the competition.
Pakistan, still recovering from their recent seven-wicket loss to India, finds itself in a do-or-die situation. Their only route to the Super 4s is a convincing victory against the UAE.
Adding another layer of complexity to the tournament is the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has accused match referee Andy Pycroft of violating Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket protocols during the widely publicized handshake controversy. The board has even gone as far as threatening to withdraw their team from the tournament if Pycroft is not dismissed from his duties.
Should the ICC dismiss the PCB’s demand and Pakistan proceed with boycotting their Wednesday match against the UAE, the team would automatically be eliminated at the league stage, granting the UAE a straightforward path to the Super 4s.