India, Sept. 14 -- For the first time since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in late April this year, and the Indian government's subsequent campaign known as Operation Sindoor that followed, India and Pakistan prepare for a cricket match on the international stage. As far as meetings between these two fierce rivals go, their Asia Cup 2025 encounter is set to be one of the most controversial, which is truly saying something given the magnitude of these meetings.

The lead-up hasn't been without plenty of tension and drama, with words swapped back and forth between former players turned members of the media and analysts on either side of the border. With many calling for India to withdraw from the game and refuse to play Pakistan on the b...