Pakistani fans give Haris Rauf, Farhan rousing welcome in Dubai ahead of Asia Cup Final

DUBAI: Pakistani fans turned out in large numbers at the ICC Academy on Saturday to welcome their team on the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals India.

The atmosphere was electric, as supporters chanted “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan,” turning the practice session into a celebration.

The biggest cheers were reserved for opener Sahibzada Farhan and pacer Haris Rauf, whose arrival sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“Both players have stolen our hearts,” fans told reporters, while the duo responded warmly by shaking hands and interacting with their admirers before heading into training.

Located just over a kilometre from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the ICC Academy echoed with cries of “O Shahzada!” and “Farhan Bhai, once again!” Pashtun fans also extended their support to Fakhar Zaman, wishing him “Best of luck” in Pashto.

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Excitement is at fever pitch in Dubai, as Pakistan and India gear up for their first-ever Asia Cup final clash on Sunday.

The Green Shirts secured their spot with a narrow 11-run win over Bangladesh in the Super Fours, while India advanced unbeaten, powered by top-ranked batter Abhishek Sharma and world No.1 T20 bowler Varun Chakravarthy.

The tournament has already produced drama. India defeated Pakistan twice earlier—once in the group stage and once in the Super Fours—while tensions flared after Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav skipped the customary handshake at the toss on September 14 and made political comments post-match.

The ICC later reprimanded Yadav following a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).