Asia Cup 2018: Imran Khan Likely to Attend India vs Pakistan Match in Dubai Tomorrow

Islamabad, Sept 18: Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to attend the much-awaited cricket match scheduled tomorrow between India and Pakistan, reported Islamabad-based media channels on Tuesday.

The One Day International bout, featuring the two sides, will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. India and Pakistan will clash in their second league stage match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018.

The Pakistan government is yet to issue an official confirmation on whether Khan would be attending the event. The Prime Minister has today embarked upon a two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sources claim that his itinerary includes a visit on personal expense to neighbouring UAE, where he would be attending the India-Pak match.

Khan, a former cricketer-turned-politician, has reiterated on couple of occasions that cricket can play a major role in revamping ties with India. In his oath-taking ceremony, the 65-year-old had invited his contemporaries -- former Indian players Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. Notably, only Sidhu among the trio had travelled to Islamabad to witness his swearing-in.

The India-Pak bout tomorrow is key for either sides to advance to the top 4 stage of the tournament. The Asia Cup this year featured 6 sides, including Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, apart from India and Pakistan.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka was eliminated from the tournament after suffering a shock defeat against Afghanistan. Two days earlier, the Angelo Mathews-led side was annihilated by Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India is schedule to play its first match in the tournament today against Hong Kong.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2018 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).