Dubai witnessed a first in international cricket on Sunday evening when Ravi Shastri and Waqar Younis conducted separate toss-time interviews ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shastri spoke to India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, while Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was interviewed by Waqar.

According to PTI, Shastri had been officially assigned by the broadcaster to conduct both toss interviews. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised an objection, requesting the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to appoint a neutral presenter.

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What did the ACC do?

The ACC subsequently approached the BCCI with the proposal, but the Indian board declined to replace Shastri. A compromise was reached, with Shastri speaking only to Surya and Waqar engaging with Salman.

In another unusual move, Salman took part in the pre-match trophy photoshoot alone, breaking from the tradition of joint appearances by both captains.

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No match to pre-game drama

Once the cricket began, it was India’s spinners who seized control. Kuldeep Yadav ripped through Pakistan’s batting order, bagging four wickets, including three in a single over. After a steady start, Pakistan’s batting collapsed from the 10th over onward, losing at least one wicket in nearly every over since the 14th, leaving India firmly in command. Pakistan finally bundled up at 146. India to bat next.