The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, taking place in Dubai on September 14, is generating substantial buzz. Both India and Pakistan have begun the tournament with impressive victories. India achieved a comprehensive win against the UAE, while Pakistan triumphed over Oman. Both teams will be striving to sustain their successful streaks. A focal point of this match will be the potential confrontation between Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma and Pakistani spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, stemming from their previous dispute.
The controversy between Abhishek Sharma and Pakistani left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem occurred during the Emerging Teams Asia Cup last year, with video footage circulating widely on social media. In the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, India A and Pakistan A were grouped together in Group B. The match between the two teams took place on October 19, 2024, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. During that game, Abhishek Sharma, opening for India, and Prabhsimran Singh established a quick start, adding 68 runs in the initial 6 overs. In the seventh over, Sufiyan Muqeem came in to bowl. Attempting a big shot, Abhishek lost his wicket.
Following this dismissal, Sufiyan Muqeem signaled to Abhishek to walk off the field, to which Abhishek responded. This led to an argument. The umpires had to step in to mediate the growing tensions between Sufiyan and Abhishek. In that specific match, Abhishek Sharma contributed 35 runs from 22 balls. India A scored 183 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Pakistan A could only score 176 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The stage is set for these two players to clash again in the Asia Cup on September 14, potentially adding intensity to the competition.