Special prayers held at Mahakaleshwar temple ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash

With fans across India showing intense support for Team India, religious ceremonies and celebrations have marked the lead-up to the Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan, even as questions are raised about playing Pakistan amid ongoing cross-border tensions.

Special prayers are being held at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 encounter scheduled for Sunday. Devotees gathered at the temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, to seek divine blessings for Team India’s victory.

In Varanasi, similar prayers took place at the Rajendra Prasad Ghat. The banks of the Ganga were filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as people performed the Ganga Aarti, stood in the river with pictures of Indian cricketers, and held up the national flag. Some also carried images of Lord Hanuman, praying for strength and success.


Rajesh Shukla, a local cricket enthusiast, said, “India has always defeated Pakistan, whether on the battlefield, the economic front, or in sports. Today’s match is no less than a war. We are confident of victory.”

Criticism over sporting ties amid security concerns

Despite widespread fan enthusiasm, the match has drawn criticism from some quarters due to recent cross-border tensions. The face-off comes less than five months after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals.

Following the attack, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, during which several terrorists and camps were neutralised.

In this context, some have questioned the continuation of sporting engagements with Pakistan, citing the symbolic implications of playing against a nation held responsible by many for cross-border terrorism.

Excitement for today's Ind vs Pak clash

Beyond religious sites, fans in major cities voiced confidence in the team’s performance. In Mumbai, a local said, “India’s strength is very strong. I closely follow Hardik Pandya; he’s in top form right now. No one can match him in batting or bowling. He is our game-changer.”

In Delhi, the mood was equally enthusiastic. “All of India is excited for the match. Cricket should be seen in the spirit of the game, but yes, beating Pakistan is always special,” said a local.

The match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, beginning at 8:00 p.m. IST.