Dubai Police Ban Flags, Firecrackers Ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final
The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, set to be played on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, will see unprecedented security measures. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the Dubai Police have issued strict rules for fans attending the blockbuster clash, banning flags, banners, and firecrackers inside the venue.
This will be the first time in 41 years that India and Pakistan face each other in an Asia Cup final, making it one of the most high-stakes encounters in modern cricket. The heated buildup—marked by India’s no-handshake policy in the group stage and Pakistan’s controversial on-field celebrations during the Super Fours—has already kept the rivalry in global headlines.
Dubai Police Issue Strong Security Advisory
In preparation for the summit clash, the Dubai Police released a robust security alert highlighting dos and don’ts for spectators.
- Entry Protocols: All ticket holders are urged to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled start of play (8 PM IST).
- One-Time Entry: Each valid ticket allows single entry only. Anyone leaving the stadium during the match will not be permitted to re-enter.
- Parking Restrictions: Parking will be available only in officially designated spots.
- Prohibited Items: Flags, banners, firecrackers, and other restricted objects are strictly forbidden inside the venue. Fans are also advised to follow stewards’ directions at all times.
Fines and Jail Time for Violations
The Dubai Police have made it clear that any breach of stadium regulations will attract hefty financial penalties and possible jail time.
- Pitch invasion, use of abusive language, or carrying banned items may result in fines ranging from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹7.24 lakh.
- Offenders also risk a maximum prison sentence of three months.
These measures aim to prevent crowd disturbances and ensure the final is remembered for cricketing brilliance rather than off-field controversies.
A Rivalry Beyond Cricket
India and Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign has been as fiery off the field as it has been on it. India have already defeated their arch-rivals twice in the tournament, raising the stakes for Pakistan, who are desperate to turn the tide in the final.
However, the build-up has been marked by controversies:
- India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after their group-stage win.
- Pakistan stars Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s provocative, politically-tinged gestures during the Super Fours clash.
The Dubai Police’s clampdown is seen as a pre-emptive move to keep tensions from spilling into the stands during Sunday’s grand finale.
What Lies Ahead
With both cricket boards already at loggerheads and ICC officials monitoring closely, the Asia Cup 2025 final promises to be a contest that goes far beyond the 22 yards. While the players battle it out on the pitch, fans will now have to be extra careful about following stadium rules—or risk paying the price.
