As India and Pakistan gear up for the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, let us take a look at their historic rivalry, marked by intense competition, memorable controversies, and dramatic on-field moments.

Between 1978 and 2025, India and Pakistan have faced each other in 136 ODIs. India has won 58 matches, Pakistan 73, and five ended with no result (NR). There have been no tied matches. India’s win percentage stands at 42.64%, while Pakistan leads with 53.67%.

Beyond statistics, India-Pakistan cricket encounters are charged with emotions, politics, and intense competition, often producing unforgettable controversies and dramatic on-field moments.

Some of the most notable incidents:

Javed Miandad’s Kangaroo Jump (1992)
During the 1992 World Cup clash in Sydney, Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad reacted to repeated appeals from Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More by mimicking a kangaroo jump. While fans and commentators found it humorous, Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin did not appreciate it, sparking controversy.

Venkatesh Prasad Incident (1996)
In the 1996 World Cup quarter-final, Pakistan’s Aamir Sohail provoked Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad, leading to a fiery reaction that shook Pakistan’s team morale. Prasad’s response became a turning point, helping India secure an advantage in the match.

Inzamam-ul-Haq Attempts to Attack Fan (1997)
During a Sahara Cup match in Toronto, Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq was angered by an Indian fan calling him "aloo" (potato). In a moment of provocation, he charged toward the stands with his bat, but security personnel and fellow players intervened to prevent an escalation.

Gautam Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi (2007)
In a 2007 match, Gautam Gambhir and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi got into a heated verbal altercation after Gambhir hit a boundary off Afridi’s bowling. The situation intensified when the two collided during a run, requiring umpires and teammates to separate them. Even after retirement, the rivalry continued to spark debates on social media.

India vs Pakistan matches: A history of withdrawals and conflicts

India and Pakistan have missed facing each other in several tournaments due to political tensions, security concerns, and other extraordinary circumstances. Key instances include:

1986 Asia Cup (Sri Lanka): India did not play against Pakistan, not because of bilateral issues, but due to internal unrest in Sri Lanka.

1990 Asia Cup: Pakistan withdrew from the match against India citing ongoing political tensions.

1993 Asia Cup: India-Pakistan relations were strained, leading to the cancellation of the entire tournament.

1962 & 1971 Wars: No cricket matches were played between the two nations from 1965 to 1977 due to war.

1984: Following the death of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India cancelled its Pakistan tour.

1990s Series and Tournaments:

1991: Pakistan cancelled five ODIs in India due to the Kashmir issue.

1991: After pitch damage at Shivaji Stadium, five ODIs between India and Pakistan were cancelled.

1993 Hero Cup: Pakistan withdrew, citing security concerns.

1994: Pakistan skipped three Test matches in India; Sri Lanka replaced them.

1996–1999: Planned series in Toronto were disrupted; the 1999 Kargil War prevented matches.

2009: In the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, India withdrew from three Tests and five ODIs in Pakistan.

2018 Asia Cup: Originally scheduled in India, the tournament was shifted to UAE due to India-Pakistan tensions.

2023 Asia Cup: India refused to travel to Pakistan despite Pakistan hosting; a hybrid format was used with some matches in Pakistan and others in Sri Lanka.

2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL): Scheduled in England, the India-Pakistan match was cancelled following the Pahalgam terror attack, as several Indian players refused to play against Pakistan.

Asia Cup 2025 final

India will face Pakistan in the final in Dubai on Sunday (September 28) for the first time in the history of the T20 Asia Cup. In their last two encounters, India effortlessly gunned down the target set by Pakistan and will hope to end the tournament by lifting the title with an unblemished record.