The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai left fans stunned as many seats remained empty. The 25,000-capacity stadium is usually sold out for this rivalry, but political tensions and boycott calls kept crowds away. Social media users shared surprise, with one posting, “Never in my life have I seen a stadium so empty for an Indo-Pak match.” Another wrote, “Seats are empty for the first time in an India-Pakistan match.” This was the first meeting between the two nations since the Pahalgam terror attack, adding to the tense atmosphere around the game. (PC: NDTV/Instagram)

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticised India for refusing handshakes with Pakistan players in Dubai. After India’s seven-wicket win, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, the team chose not to shake hands, upsetting Pakistan’s side. Naqvi posted on X that politics should not enter sports. Suryakumar defended the move, saying, “Some things in life are above sportsmanship. We dedicate this win to victims of the Pahalgam attack and our armed forces.” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match ceremony. The snub sparked heated debate across cricket and social media. (PC: X)

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup 2025, chasing 128 with 25 balls to spare. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. “We stand with the families of the victims and express our solidarity,” he said. Opposition parties had urged India to boycott the match, accusing the government of choosing “profit over blood.” Indian players also avoided handshakes with Pakistan as a tribute to the victims. Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the presentation ceremony in protest, while coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment. (PC: AP)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged an official protest against Team India after players refused to shake hands during the Asia Cup 2025 match. PCB called the move “unsportsmanlike” and against the spirit of cricket. Match referee Andy Pycroft had informed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss not to approach Suryakumar Yadav or Indian players. After the game, India went straight to the dressing room. Indian players said the gesture was a tribute to soldiers and civilians killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Salman skipped the post-match ceremony in protest against India’s behaviour. (PC: AFP, PTI)

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 to the Indian armed forces. After the match, he expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. “We stand by the families of the victims of Pahalgam,” Suryakumar said in the post-match press conference. “We express our solidarity and want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces. Hope they continue to inspire us all.” India chased down 128 runs in 15.5 overs, with Suryakumar and Shivam Dube guiding the team to a convincing Group A victory.

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match but refused the customary post-match handshake. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who guided India past the 128-run target in 15.5 overs, walked straight to the dressing room without greeting Pakistan players. Reports said none of the Indian squad came out to meet their rivals, despite Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his team waiting outside. Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson was reportedly angered by the incident. Handshakes are tradition, not rule, but India’s decision highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan rivalry. (PC: X)

India’s Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Minakshi Hooda (48kg) made history by winning gold medals at the World Boxing Championships 2025. Jaismine defeated Paris Olympics silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland 4-1 in the final, saying, “I have no words to describe how I am feeling.” Minakshi, a debutant, out-punched Paris Olympics bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan 4-1, avenging her World Cup loss in July. India also won silver and bronze through Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) and Pooja Rani (80kg). The victories marked India’s best-ever campaign in women’s boxing on foreign soil, highlighting the nation’s growing strength in the sport. (PC: NDTV)

India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai International Stadium. Pakistan were restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel taking key wickets. India chased the target comfortably in 15.5 overs, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 47* off 37 balls. Kuldeep Yadav also starred with three crucial wickets. The win was sealed with 25 balls to spare, highlighting India’s dominance in both batting and bowling. With this victory, India retains the top spot in Group A and is all but confirmed for the Super 4 stage. (PC: BBC)

Up to 150,000 people attended a far-right “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London led by Tommy Robinson. Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, and at least 25 people were arrested. About 5,000 counter-protesters clashed with the crowd in Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. Business Secretary Peter Kyle condemned the violence, saying offenders “should and will pay a price.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that anyone involved in crime would face the law. Robinson called it the “biggest freedom of speech” rally in UK history, while Elon Musk and Katie Hopkins also addressed the crowd. (PC: Sky News) 

Ricky Hatton, former world champion boxer, has died at 46. Nicknamed 'The Hitman', he won titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. Hatton’s body was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday, with no suspicious circumstances reported. He won 45 of 48 professional fights and last fought in 2012. Fans and fellow athletes, including David Beckham and Tyson Fury, paid tribute. Manchester City held a minute’s applause for him before their match against Manchester United. Hatton had announced a comeback fight in December. He was admired for his skill, heart, and courage in the ring. (PC: BBC)