The final of the Asia Cup will be an India vs Pakistan affair. It’s the scenario that broadcasters and advertisers dream of, as they are assured of great numbers of eyeballs. Amazingly, the two teams will be clashing in the final of the Asia Cup after 41 years. They of course play in the earlier rounds, as after what happened in the ICC World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007 where both teams, who were expected to meet in the semi-finals, were knocked out in the earlier rounds itself. That led to loads of cancellation of tickets and hotel bookings and even cruise ships, which were supposed to be like hotels had massive back outs. Everybody lost a lot of money. Since then, the draw for ICC and other events where both countries are participating is arranged in such a way that both are in the same group. This assures at least one game between the two countries. Even here, it is seen that the other teams in their group are weak teams so that there is no chance of a surprise upset like it happened in the 2007 Caribbean ICC World Cup. The other countries don’t object as they also realise that this clash is the one that generates the most viewership, which is what brings in the moolah that also funds their cricket.

Fireworks and hostility