Asia Cup: Bangladesh Unfairly Denied Spot In The Final? Scheduling Under Fire | Cricket News

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 10:50 IST

Cricket commentators claim the Asia Cup schedule, set two months ago to ensure a Sunday final, appeared designed to pave the way for an India-Pakistan title clash

Batting first, Pakistan managed a modest total of 135 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, a score that seemed insufficient. However, exceptional bowling from Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf restricted Bangladesh to 124 runs, propelling Pakistan into the final.

For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 1984, India and Pakistan will compete in the Asia Cup final. It appeared unlikely, but Pakistan’s bowlers compensated for the batsmen’s shortcomings with brilliant performances.

Mohammad Hasis’s 31 runs and Nawaz’s 25 helped Pakistan reach a fighting total. Bangladesh, eager for big shots, lost wickets frequently and managed only 124 for 9. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took three wickets each, while Sam Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz contributed with two and one wicket, respectively.

Concerns Rise Over Unfair Treatment Of Bangladesh

According to some cricket commentators, Bangladesh, a strong contender for the final, faced unfair circumstances. The team had to play matches on two consecutive days, leaving the players fatigued and unable to perform at their best, they said. Just a day before facing Pakistan, Bangladesh played against India in the Super 4 stage.

Some cricket commentators have suggested that the tournament schedule, designed to secure a Sunday final, seemed tilted towards setting up an India-Pakistan title clash. This schedule was released in July, indicating a pre-planned decision that Bangladesh would play on consecutive days in the Super 4.

Commentators have questioned why Pakistan was spared back-to-back match days, unlike India and Sri Lanka. They pointed out that for Bangladesh, the clash with Pakistan was effectively a semi-final, yet the team had little recovery time, while Pakistan went in fully rested.