Whether the other four contenders like it or not, the 14th edition of the Asia Cup, beginning in the UAE today, is all about India and Pakistan. That's primarily because the cricketing rivals have not played a bilateral series for a long time and it's only during such championships, be it World Cup, Champions Trophy or Asia Cup, that they come face to face as hostile relations between the two countries prevent them from playing each other in bilateral contests.

Making the most of the opportunity, the Asia Cup organisers have ensured that the two rivals meet at least twice in the 14-day tournament. On September 19, they play at the Dubai stadium in a Group A match, and with weak qualifiers, Hong Kong, in their three-team group, it is almost certain that the two will make the Super Four grade and clash again on September 23 at the same venue.