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India are taking on Pakistan in what is expected to be a thrilling Asia Cup final. Though there were a lot of controversies when the two teams have met previously in the tournament, this time the drama began even before the match commenced. In a rare occurence, both teams had their own presenters for the toss as Suryakumar Yadav was interviews by Ravi Shastri while Salman Ali Agha spoke with Waqar Younis.
Notably, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had offered a neutral presenter for the toss, but the BCCI refused as Ravi Shastri is known for his exceptional presenting skills. However, this led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ask for their own presenter and that is why Waqar was called in to present.
Separate photoshoots for both skippers
Both the captains also had their own separate photoshoots with the Asia Cup trophy. Suryakumar once again didn't shake hands with Salman at the toss. The same thing had happened in the previous two matches that the teams had played in the tournament and it is expected that no customary handshake will take place after the match either.
Meanwhile, the drama had already started two days before the all-important final as both Suryakumar and Haris Rauf were handed penalties for breaching ICC's Code of Conduct. This came after PCB had lodged a complaint against Suryakumar for dedicating India's group stage victory over the Men in Green to the Pahalgam victims.
Suryakumar and Rauf penalised
On the other hand, BCCI had lodged a complaint against both Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for doing provocative gestures during the Super 4 clash between the two rivals. While Suryakumar is set to either be given demerit points or a fine, Rauf has been docked 30 per cent of his match fees. It remains to be seen if more drama will take place during the much-anticipated final.
Playing XIs for the final
India's playing XI for Asia Cup final: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Pakistan's playing XI for Asia Cup final: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
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