Madan Lal says it's hard to predict outcome of India vs Pakistan match
Expects a close contest given the uncertainty of T20 cricket
Highlights economic implications of game, noting that every encounter between arch-rivals is tinged with politics
Former India cricketer Madan Lal on Saturday (September 13, 2025) said the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup must go on as the government has given permission for it. He added that it would be hard to predict the match's outcome, given the dynamic nature of T20 cricket.
Noting that the short format makes predictions tricky, Madan Lal told ANI, "The competition will be there because T20I is a shorter format. If it were a Test or an ODI, you could say India are the favourites. It is not easy to predict in T20Is, as in a matter of a few overs, the game changes. It will be a great contest."
He further observed Pakistan's evolving strategy, stating, "Pakistan has changed its planning; its top-order is trying to hit, play attacking cricket, and hit unorthodox shots. The question is, will they play these shots against India?"
Political Climate And National Sentiment
The match has become a focal point of political debate following the Pahalgam terror attacks in April 2025 and the Indian Armed Forces' launch of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-sponsored terror. These developments have stirred strong public emotions and heightened the sense of patriotism.
Madan Lal expressed solidarity with the nation’s sentiments, emphasising that despite the turmoil, the game must go on. He remarked, "The government has given permission, so what is the problem? We had made the decision not to go to Pakistan. It is up to Pakistan to decide if they want to play or not. Definitely, the Pahalgam attack hurt us; we are patriotic. It is time to give them a 'double jawaab'."
Economic Impact And Unavoidable Match
The former World Cup-winning legend also highlighted the economic implications of the game, noting that every encounter between these arch-rivals is invariably tinged with politics. He pointed out that the livelihoods of many—from telecasters to organisers—are linked to the match.
He said, "Pakistan is unlikely to change; it will remain the same. However, you cannot avoid this (the match), as there are many people whose livelihood depends on it, from telecasters to those at the top. But our sentiment is with the nation, of patriotism. But it is up to us how we reply to Pakistan. Where does BCCI stand?"
Historic Rivalry And Early Campaign Highlights
The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan has captured the imagination of fans for decades, particularly as bilateral series between the two nations have been absent since 2013. This historical gap adds extra significance to contests held during marquee events like the Asia Cup.
Adding to the anticipation, India kick-started their campaign with a nine-wicket win over UAE, while Pakistan secured a 93-run victory over Oman on Friday, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited clash in Dubai.
India Vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Live Streaming Details
When and where will the India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 match be played?
The India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 13 at 8pm IST.
Where will the India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 match be telecast and live streamed?
The India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network TV channels in India and live streamed on the Sony LIV app and website in the country.
India Vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
The eight teams, featuring some of the best talent in world cricket, are vying for continental glory ahead of next year's ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
