Emotions run high as India and Pakistan face off after May clashes

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DUBAI - An India-Pakistan cricket match is always a blockbuster but emotions will run even higher in Sundays Asia Cup clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who engaged in a four-day military conflict earlier this year.

Even before the clashes in May, which nearly escalated into a full-blown war, bilateral cricket ties had been suspended. The arch-rivals now play each other only in multi-team tournaments.

Political relations have deteriorated further since the clashes, with several former Indian players urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott what will be the first meeting between the teams since the recent hostilities.

While the threat of a boycott is over, sparks may fly with India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha ruling out dialing down aggression in the much-anticipated Group A fixture.

India, the reigning 20-overs world champions, are firm favourites to retain their Asia Cup title and are determined not to let geopolitics derail their campaign.

Once the BCCI said they are aligned with the government, we are here to play, Indias batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters on Friday.

Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally dont think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket and thats what we focus on.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson also wants his team to stay focused though the significance of the match is not lost on him.

Being part of a highly-charged event is going to be exciting, the New Zealander said this week.

From my perspective ... it is about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That will be no different.

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