Saturday 27 / September / 2025
MUSCAT: It’s a moment 41 years in the making. For the first time in Asia Cup history, cricket’s fiercest rivals, India and Pakistan, will lock horns in the tournament’s grand final — and the excitement has spilled far beyond Dubai, where the match takes place on Sunday evening at 6:30 pm.
In Muscat, hotels and restaurants are preparing to transform into buzzing cricket hubs as fans gather to witness history over food, drink, and electrifying atmosphere.
India, unbeaten in this edition and already twice victorious against Pakistan, step into the contest with momentum on their side. Yet Pakistan, buoyed by a thrilling win against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage, have shown they are more than capable of staging a comeback. The clash promises drama, intensity, and the kind of tension only an India–Pakistan final can deliver.
Sensing the magnitude of the occasion, several hospitality venues across Muscat are rolling out special screenings. Haffa House, Al Falaj Hotel, and Ramee Guestline are among those telecasting the match live, turning their lounges and restaurants into mini stadiums for fans who prefer the camaraderie of group viewing.
“We expect a good crowd to come in large numbers,” said one hotel manager. “It’s a rare chance for cricket lovers to enjoy the match together, cheer for their teams, and have tasty bites alongside the action.”
Restaurants too are cashing in on the cricket fever. Beyond Kitchen in Ruwi has announced live screening facilities, expecting packed tables as enthusiasts book early to secure prime seats.
“The energy will be fantastic,” said a staff member. “India versus Pakistan is always special, but in a final, the atmosphere will be electric.”
For many expatriates from the subcontinent, the game is more than just sport — it is nostalgia, national pride, and community spirit wrapped into one.
Watching in groups amplifies the drama, with every boundary, wicket, and close call sparking collective roars or groans. Venues are hoping this emotional connection will translate into a spike in footfall and food sales on Sunday night.
Navin K, an Indian expatriate, has decided to go straight from the office to one of the hotels where they are going to telecast live with five of his friends. "It is going to be great fun watching on a large screen and enjoying it with friends. It is going to be a great final and nothing better than to watch in a large group in a hotel or a restaurant," he told Times of Oman.
As the countdown ticks closer, Muscat is bracing for its own version of cricket mania. For hoteliers and restaurateurs, the Asia Cup final offers more than just entertainment; it is a golden opportunity to blend sport with hospitality and create an unforgettable evening for fans of both nations. As anticipation builds, Muscat is ready for its own slice of the action.
When the first ball is bowled in Dubai, the cheers in Muscat may be just as loud as those in Dubai — proof that cricket’s greatest rivalry knows no boundaries.
