The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 has become the biggest talking point in international cricket. The match is scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, but the atmosphere leading up to the game is clouded with boycott calls and heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack killed 26 tourists, and India responded by initiating Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in PoK and Pakistan. India was expected by many to boycott Pakistan even in multi-nation tournaments, but the Asia Cup calendar came out and confirmed that the matches will be played. It is part of the rules that India and Pakistan will play in the group stage, and if both qualify, they can meet again for the Super 4s and possibly the final. That implies that there could be a possibility the two teams could play up to three times in the tournament. Also Read | What will happen if India boycotts Pakistan in 2025 Asia Cup group match? Kotak urges players to remain focused Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke to the media in Dubai and asserted that the Indian team is not distracted by external voices. Kotak said: "Once we are here to play, we are focused on playing cricket. I personally don't think there is anything on my mind apart from playing cricket. That is what we are focusing on." He added: "I think for players and us, once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and play. It will be a competitive game. India versus Pakistan is always competitive, so we would rather focus on that." Also Read | 2025 Asia Cup ticket prices reduced after seats stayed unsold Handshake controversy adds fuel Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav was in the middle of a social media firestorm earlier this week. He was seen shaking hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and then with ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who is a close friend of his, and the clip immediately went viral, bringing on strong criticism from fans. In spite of the virtual din, Suryakumar had already commented post-UAE match that the Indian team is looking forward to facing Pakistan in this Asia Cup. Boycott calls and ticket sales struggle India's social media is abuzz with criticism of the BCCI for agreeing to play Pakistan. Several handles on social media platform X have come out in the open saying they will boycott the match. Ticket sales also indicate the mood of the public, with several seats still up for sale for what is otherwise the most-watched game in world cricket. Now, it is to be seen if the match gets the same huge TV rating as before or if the boycott will result in a decline in viewership. Currently, the players are gearing up for the big game, while the fans are split between their love for cricket and national loyalties.