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The sport’s greatest rivals, India and Pakistan, are set to clash in a high-octane group stage battle on September 14. The match comes amid political pressure as fans appeal to boycott the once most sought-after game. The tension stems from the fact that this game will mark the first time India and Pakistan face off in a cricket match since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor earlier this year. From Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, the gallery captures players whose performances are expected to decide the flow of the game.
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Hardik Pandya: Pakistan are one of Hardik Pandya’s favourite opponents. In India’s past six T20I innings against their arch-rivals, he has taken 13 wickets at an average of just 12. Earlier this month, even Pakistan’s former captain Rashid Latif expressed his admiration for Pandya, saying that the player can completely change the game at any moment. Latiff went on to describe Pandya as India’s ‘X-factor’ (Picture Source: AFP)
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Shaheen Afridi: The left-arm quick is as big a threat to India as someone like Hardik Pandya is to Pakistan. Again, conditions don’t matter much for the left-arm pacer who was quick to demonstrate his ability to swing the ball earlier in Dubai. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill (who have enjoyed some nice battles with him) would be watching their feet.
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Kuldeep Yadav: India’s spin wizard presents perhaps one of the biggest threats to the Pakistani batting line-up. Despite spending most of 2025 on the bench, Kuldeep bowled the most impressive spell in the UAE game, where he took four wickets, showing just what he can do. (Photo Source: AFP)
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Mohammad Nawaz: There has been a lot of attention on Hasan Nawaz in the lead-up to the Asia Cup; however, one of Pak’s most promising all-rounders, Mohammad, has been in equally excellent form. Coming fresh off a hat-trick against Afghanistan, Nawaz was quick to demonstrate his ability with the bat against Oman. India will need to watch out for this heavy hitter. (Photo Source: AFP)
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Jasprit Bumrah: India’s best pacer and their biggest weapon in big matches, Bumrah holds an amazing record against Pakistan. With five wickets in their four matches, Bumrah boasts an economy rate of 5.43. One of India’s most reliable pace options with the new ball and in death overs, Bumrah presents himself as a formidable opponent. (Photo Source: AFP)
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Saim Ayub: The young left-hander is Pakistan’s most exciting young opener, and India have been on the wrong side of a young left-hander’s breakthrough. He’s still developing, but if he gets on song, he might be one of the few in that team who can handle the variety of the Indian attack. (Photo Source: AFP)
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Shubman Gill: Vice-captain Shubman Gill has consistently been a pillar of India’s batting in high-pressure games, including against Pakistan. Known for his cool temperament and elegant strokeplay, Gill has built some memorable innings in Asia Cup contests. His ability to anchor the innings while rotating strike will be key to India’s ability to amass some quick runs in Dubai. (Picture Source: AFP)
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Fakhar Zaman: Known for his aggressive style, one of Pakistan’s more experienced openers can turn a game around quickly. Despite his fluctuating form this year, Zaman remains a constant threat at the top, especially against India. His power-hitting and ability to find gaps will be under the spotlight in the Dubai thriller. (Picture Source: AFP)
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