Sparks are ready to fly again, the adrenaline set to drool over and broadcasters assured of TRPs going through the roof when cricket's biggest traditional rivals India and Pakistan cross their respective borders to meet on a neutral Asia Cup battlefield in Bangladesh.
The most sought-after cricket contest has been victimised by political disputes ever since Cyril Radcliffe penciled the line that brought the undivided India to an end and Pakistan to life.
Ironically, however, it's the 'intermittent' nature of Indo-Pak contests that keeps the fans gunning for more - though the game would have loved to see that being governed by sporting agreements than political disagreements.
Since that famous 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, there have been just five Indo-Pak ODIs spread across three years - with Pakistan remaining a no-go zone for international cricket and the Indian government's response to inviting Pakistan ruled by political scenario between the two countries.
The coming contest in Bangladesh is once again build-up around that lack of Indo-Pak games.
It won't be wrong to admit that the Asia Cup is more about India vs Pakistan than anything else. It's looked upon like that - as another rare chance to witness cricket's most intense rivalry. The Ashes comes a distant second in comparison.
India have won the Asia Cup most times - five titles in 11 editions. But Pakistan are the defending champions this time having won the trophy in 2012.
Besides India, Pakistan will have to defend their title against Sri Lanka, hosts Bangladesh and Asia Cup debutants Afghanistan.
"It's always a big challenge playing against India because there is so much interest in the game. India are a formidable side and we have to be at our best to win. We may not have played each other much recently, but I know it will be an exciting match," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said.
India, though, will be without regular captain MS Dhoni, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. Virat Kohli will lead the side in Dhoni's absence with Dinesh Karthik as the replacement wicketkeeper batsman.
"They [India] will miss his [Dhoni's] experience and captaincy, but Virat Kohli is a suitable replacement and India remains a strong challenge in the tournament," Misbah had told reporters before leaving for Bangladesh.
Cricket has never been about individuals, as is any other team sport. An India-Pakistan game is the best example of that. And it will remain that when another mouth-watering clash takes place on March 2 in Dhaka.
The most sought-after cricket contest has been victimised by political disputes ever since Cyril Radcliffe penciled the line that brought the undivided India to an end and Pakistan to life.
Ironically, however, it's the 'intermittent' nature of Indo-Pak contests that keeps the fans gunning for more - though the game would have loved to see that being governed by sporting agreements than political disagreements.
Since that famous 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, there have been just five Indo-Pak ODIs spread across three years - with Pakistan remaining a no-go zone for international cricket and the Indian government's response to inviting Pakistan ruled by political scenario between the two countries.
The coming contest in Bangladesh is once again build-up around that lack of Indo-Pak games.
It won't be wrong to admit that the Asia Cup is more about India vs Pakistan than anything else. It's looked upon like that - as another rare chance to witness cricket's most intense rivalry. The Ashes comes a distant second in comparison.
India have won the Asia Cup most times - five titles in 11 editions. But Pakistan are the defending champions this time having won the trophy in 2012.
Besides India, Pakistan will have to defend their title against Sri Lanka, hosts Bangladesh and Asia Cup debutants Afghanistan.
"It's always a big challenge playing against India because there is so much interest in the game. India are a formidable side and we have to be at our best to win. We may not have played each other much recently, but I know it will be an exciting match," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said.
India, though, will be without regular captain MS Dhoni, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. Virat Kohli will lead the side in Dhoni's absence with Dinesh Karthik as the replacement wicketkeeper batsman.
"They [India] will miss his [Dhoni's] experience and captaincy, but Virat Kohli is a suitable replacement and India remains a strong challenge in the tournament," Misbah had told reporters before leaving for Bangladesh.
Cricket has never been about individuals, as is any other team sport. An India-Pakistan game is the best example of that. And it will remain that when another mouth-watering clash takes place on March 2 in Dhaka.
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