The rivalry between India and Pakistan ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 showdown has taken yet another fiery turn. According to Indian journalists reporting from Dubai, members of the Pakistan squad were heard chanting “6-0, 6-0” during a practice session. The chant quickly made headlines, fueling the already charged atmosphere between the two nations.
The slogan reportedly refers to claims made by the Pakistan Air Force that it shot down six Indian fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor. India, however, has maintained that its Air Force downed five Pakistani fighters and one large transport plane in response. This clash of narratives has spilled into the cricketing arena, adding an extra layer of tension before the high-profile game.
This incident comes close on the heels of Pakistan’s decision to boycott the pre-match press conference before Sunday’s clash, continuing their protest over the handshake controversy from the group stage. In that earlier match, India had convincingly defeated Pakistan by chasing down 128 runs in just 15.5 overs.
Haris Rauf and other Pakistani players shouting 6-0 before the India-Pakistan game.
— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) September 21, 2025
Celebrating a victory that never happened shows the level of their IQ Level.
These beggars create fake reasons to fool their awam. pic.twitter.com/JGbHVuQOce
The handshake issue stemmed from India’s stand against the April Pahalgam terror attack. As a mark of protest, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Following the game, skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s win to the families of the victims and the Indian armed forces, further cementing the political undertones of the contest.
Pakistan, meanwhile, escalated matters by lodging a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft on grounds of alleged bias. The ICC dismissed the appeal not once but twice, forcing Pakistan to accept Pycroft as the official for their subsequent game against the UAE. Now, the same referee has once again been assigned for their Super 4 encounter with India, ensuring that the off-field drama will be as intense as the on-field action.