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Nepal rolled back its social media ban on Tuesday, a day after at least 19 people were killed in youth protests demanding that the government lift its restrictions and tackle corruption.All major social media apps were working, an AFP reporter in Kathmandu said, as the government ordered a probe into the violence that saw police launch one of the deadliest crackdowns on protesters for years.”The social media platforms have been opened, which was among the Gen Z’s demands,” Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung told AFP, referring to young people aged largely in their 20s.”We are open to talk with the protesters.”A curfew was imposed in several cities on Tuesday morning, but groups angry over the violence and deaths defied it.Some targeted the properties of politicians and government buildings, according to an AFP photographer and local media reports.Others burnt tyres, shouting slogans demanding accountability from the authorities.”Nearly 20 people were murdered by the state — that shows the scale of police brutality,” 23-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari said Tuesday, who took in the protests a day earlier.”The government … have to take responsibility for the lives that were lost.”Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — were blocked on Friday in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people, after the government cut access to 26 unregistered platforms.The ban sparked widespread fury, especially among the younger generation who rely heavily on the apps for communication.Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used against protesters on Monday, and the United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe.One eyewitness said she had “never seen such a disturbing situation” at the hospital where dozens of the 400 injured were treated.”Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital, speaking during the protests.- ‘Silencing an entire generation’ -Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, in a letter issued overnight, after an emergency cabinet meeting where the interior minister resigned, said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.”The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use”, Oli wrote in a letter, ordering an investigation committee probe the violence.The ban fed into anger at the government in a country where unemployment hovers around 10 percent and GDP per capita at just $1,447, according to the World Bank.Police in Kathmandu on Monday clashed with the crowds when protesters pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu, police said, and two more in the eastern district of Sunsari, according to local media.Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including more than 100 police.Since Friday, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which was not blocked.Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”This isn’t just about social media — it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent,” the Kathmandu Post newspaper wrote.”Gen Z grew up with smartphones, global trends, and promises of a federal, prosperous Nepal,” it added.”For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past, including to Telegram in July, citing a rise in online fraud.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

Nepal rolled back its social media ban on Tuesday, a day after at least 19 people were killed in protests demanding that the government lift its restrictions and tackle corruption.All major social media apps were working, an AFP reporter in Kathmandu said, as the government ordered a probe into the violence that saw police launch a deadly crackdown on protesters.Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — were blocked on Friday in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people, after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms.The ban sparked widespread fury, especially among the younger generation who rely heavily on the apps for communication. Many took to the streets on Monday demanding it be repealed.Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used against protesters, and the United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe.One eyewitness said she had “never seen such a disturbing situation” at the hospital where dozens of the 400 injured were treated.”Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital, speaking during the protests.- ‘Silencing an entire generation’ -Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, in a letter issued overnight, after an emergency cabinet meeting where the interior minister resigned, said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.”The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use”, Oli wrote in a letter, adding that an “investigation committee will be formed to investigate and analyse” the protests.Nepal’s Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung was quoted by local media as saying that the government has withdrawn its ban.The ban fed into anger at the government in a country where unemployment hovers around 10 percent and GDP per capita at just $1,447, according to the World Bank.Crowds held protests on Monday in the capital and other cities.Police in Kathmandu clashed with the crowds when protesters pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.Seventeen people were killed in Kathmandu, police said, and two more in the eastern district of Sunsari, according to local media.Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including more than 100 police.Since Friday, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which was not blocked.Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”This isn’t just about social media — it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent,” the Kathmandu Post newspaper wrote.”Gen Z grew up with smartphones, global trends, and promises of a federal, prosperous Nepal,” it added.”For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

At least 19 people were killed Monday when police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal demanding the government lift a social media ban and tackle corruption.Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.”Seventeen people have died,” Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP. Another two people were killed in Sunsari district in eastern Nepal, local media reported.Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including over 100 police.Following the violence, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening, local media reported.”I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force,” said Iman Magar, 20, who was hit in his right arm.”It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The doctor says I need to undergo an operation.”Sirens wailed through the city as the injured were taken to hospitals.”I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital, which received many of the wounded. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” she told AFP.- UN calls for probe -The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe of the violence.”We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.”We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces.” Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used against protesters.The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city.Earlier, some of the demonstrators had climbed over the wall into the parliament premises, and its gate was vandalised.Similar protests were organised in other districts across the country. Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24.”We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”- ‘Want to see change’ -Demonstrators started their protest with the national anthem before chanting against the social media stoppage and corruption.Student Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting the “authoritarian attitude” of the government.”We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.There have been several corruption cases reported in the last few years involving ministers, former ministers and other high-profile officials. Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating.”There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.Violent protests driven by discontent over inequality and lavish perks for lawmakers have rocked Indonesia in recent weeks. A year ago, a student-led popular uprising over job quotas ousted the longtime leader of Bangladesh.Nepal’s cabinet decided last month to give the affected social media firms seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate resident grievance and compliance officers.In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to “creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use”.Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

At least 17 protesters were killed Monday when Nepal police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its social media ban and tackle corruption.Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament.”Seventeen people have died,” Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP. Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including over 100 police.Following the violence, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening, local media reported.”I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force,” said Iman Magar, 20, who was hit in his right arm.”It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The doctor says I need to undergo an operation.”Sirens wailed through the city as the injured were taken to hospitals.”I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital, which received many of those wounded. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” she told AFP.- UN calls for probe -The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe of the violence.”We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.”We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces.” Amnesty International also called for an investigation, and said live ammunition had been used against protesters.The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the president’s residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime minister’s office.Some of the demonstrators had climbed over the wall into the parliament premises and its gate was vandalised.Similar protests were organised in other districts across the country. Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24.”We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”- ‘Want to see change’ -Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting the “authoritarian attitude” of the government.”We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.Demonstrators had started their protest in Kathmandu with the national anthem and waving the country’s flag, before chanting against the social media stoppage and corruption.There have been several corruption cases reported in the last few years involving ministers, former ministers and high-profile officials. Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating.”There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.The cabinet decided last month to give the affected social media firms seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate resident grievance and compliance officers.The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year.In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to “creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use”.Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson believes his team’s victory in a tri-series tournament with Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates will serve as a “confidence builder” for the Asia Cup starting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.Pakistan thumped Afghanistan by 75 runs on a tricky pitch in Sunday’s final in Sharjah, with Mohammad Nawaz claiming a hat-trick in a career-best five-wicket haul.”We have beaten Afghanistan in conditions that suited their spin attack, which was a real confidence builder,” said Hesson, who was only appointed white-ball coach in May, on Monday.”Heading into the Asia Cup this was also very important for us.”Since Hesson took over, Pakistan have white-washed Bangladesh 3-0 at home and then lost to the same opponents 2-1 in an away series.Pakistan also won 2-1 against the West Indies in Florida before losing just once, to the Afghans, in five tri-series matches.”An eight-team Asia Cup is great for Asian cricket and it’s a true test, it expands the game in the region, and it allows us to see players we don’t face often.”The 17th edition of the Asia Cup will kick off with a Group B match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.Six-time Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the other teams in the group.Eight-time champions and title holders India, Pakistan, Oman and the UAE are in Group A.India open their campaign with a match against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday before their high-profile clash with Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday.”Our pool is challenging with Oman, UAE and India, so we need to adapt quickly. The key is not to get distracted by external pressures,” said Hesson, who coached New Zealand to the ODI World Cup final in 2015.The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the final to be held on September 28 in Dubai.

At least 16 protesters were killed Monday when Nepal police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its social media ban and tackle corruption.Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.Thousands took to the streets and were met with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and baton-charges from police when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire into a restricted area near parliament.”I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the facility which received many of those wounded. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” she told AFP from the Civil Hospital.Nepali media reported police used live fire against the protesters, a claim AFP could not immediately verify. “Sixteen people have sadly died,” Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP. “About a hundred are under treatment, including police.”The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the president’s residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime minister’s office.Some of the demonstrators had climbed over the wall into the parliament premises and its gate was vandalised.Similar protests were organised in other districts across the country. Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24.”We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”- ‘Want to see change’ -Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the “authoritarian attitude” of the government.”We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.Demonstrators had started their protest in Kathmandu with the national anthem and waving the country’s flag, before chanting against the social media stoppage and corruption.There have been several corruption cases reported in the last few years involving ministers, former ministers and high-profile officials. Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating.”There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.The cabinet decided last month to give the affected social media firms seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer.The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year.In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to “creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use”.Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

At least 10 protesters were killed Monday after Nepal police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its ban on social media and tackle corruption.Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.”Until now 10 protesters have died and 87 are injured,” Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP.”The crowds are still in the streets”.Many of the injured were being treated at the nearby Civil Hospital, according to its information officer Ranjana Nepal.”I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital,” she told AFP. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work”. Waving national flags, young demonstrators in the capital Kathmandu started the protest with the national anthem before unleashing chants against the social media prohibitions and corruption.The crowd swelled as it crossed into a restricted area close to the parliament, and pushed through barbed wire.Violence erupted in the streets as police baton-charged protesters, some of whom climbed over the wall into the parliament premises.The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the president’s residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime minister’s office.Similar protests were organised in other districts across the country. Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business.”We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24.- ‘We want to see change’ -“We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal.”Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the “authoritarian attitude” of the government.”We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told AFP.Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating.”There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.The cabinet decided last month to give the affected companies seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer.The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year.In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to “creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use”.Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.

The skies lit up during the four-day clash between India and Pakistan in May as drones were blasted from the air by missiles that showcased what New Delhi believes is a “new vision” of warfare.India now hopes that the demonstration of its combat capabilities, which included a domestically developed “invisible shield” missile defence system, will fuel international demand.”The operation was a sign of the new art of warfare, a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in August.Long one of the world’s top arms importers, India is now determined to recast itself as a major producer and exporter of weapons.Defence exports reached a record $2.8 billion in 2024-25, still small compared to established players, but up 12 percent from the year before and 34 times higher than a decade ago.Domestic defence production also surged to a record $18 billion, nearly doubling in five years.India now exports defence equipment to more than 100 countries, with the United States, France and Armenia among the top buyers, according to the defence ministry.Exports range from missiles, boats and artillery to radar systems, rocket launchers, software and electronic components.- ‘Golden insights’ -The May conflict was the worst between the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery exchanges.Both sides claimed victory, each boasting of downing the other’s fighter jets.A senior Indian army officer said the clashes provided a “very good understanding” of how new weapons performed.”These were golden insights for us — and our rapidly expanding industry partners,” he told AFP.Among the weapons tested was Akashteer, or “Sky Arrow”, a vehicle-mounted air defence platform powered by artificial intelligence that intercepted volleys of missiles and armed drones.India also fired several long-range BrahMos cruise missiles at Pakistani airbases.Co-developed with Russia and already exported to the Philippines, the BrahMos drew fresh attention after the conflict.”Because of the stellar performance of these BrahMos missiles, 14 or 15 countries have reached out to supply these missiles,” Singh said at a military factory opening in July.Ashok Malik, of The Asia Group business consultancy, said the conflict acted “like a market demonstrator”.”It is one thing for me to buy something which you’ve made,” Malik said. “It is another to buy something which you’ve made and successfully used in the field.”- Air defence -India’s defence budget has more than doubled in the past decade, reaching $78 billion.At the same time, India has sought to ease its reliance on Russian hardware, signing import and production deals with the United States, France and Israel.The industry push comes as New Delhi balances relations with Washington and Moscow, while also countering China — Pakistan’s chief arms supplier.That tightrope act has grown harder since Washington imposed 50 percent tariffs on many Indian products to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil.Hence the “Make in India” drive as the country seeks to develop fighter jet engines and pledges to build an Israeli-style Iron Dome system it calls “Sudarshan Chakra” — the spinning discus weapon of the Hindu god Vishnu.India has also highlighted its fast-growing drone sector, which it says could be worth $11 billion by 2030, including several models developed while working closely with Israeli firms.However, challenges remain.Murlidhar Mohol, junior minister for civil aviation, told parliament in April that 39 percent of critical smaller drone components had been “sourced from manufacturers based in China”.

Pakistan laid down a marker ahead of the Asia Cup as Mohammad Nawaz took a hat-trick in a 75-run win over Afghanistan in their tri-series final in Sharjah on Sunday.Nawaz picked up 5-19 in total — his best figures in T20 internationals — as Pakistan skittled Afghanistan out for 66 in 15.5 overs while defending a modest 142-run target on a tricky pitch.Afghan captain Rashid Khan took three wickets to help restrict Pakistan to 141-8, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 27.Nawaz dismissed Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai off successive deliveries for ducks and then removed Ibrahim Zadran for nine off the first ball of his next over to complete a hat-trick.Nawaz became the third Pakistani bowler after Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hasnain to achieve the feat in T20Is.Rashid (17) and Sediqullah Atal (13) were the only batters to reach double figures as Afghanistan recorded their second lowest total in T20Is, behind their 56 all out against South Africa in last year’s World Cup semi-finals.”We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup and we’ve done that,” said Pakistan skipper Salman Agha.”We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup.”Earlier, Pakistan, who won the toss and batted, also struggled against spin. Nawaz made a 21-ball 25 with two sixes while Agha laboured to a 27-ball 24.Zaman added 49 for the second wicket with Saim Ayub (17) after opener Sahibzada Farhan fell off the third ball of the match for a duck.Rashid dismissed Zaman in his first over and then accounted for Hasan Nawaz (15) and Agha, but only after his opposite number struck him for two sixes.Afghanistan next open their Asia Cup campaign on Tuesday against Hong Kong in a Group B clash in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the other two teams in their group.Pakistan will face arch-rivals India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in Group A.

A blockbuster between India and Pakistan headlines the Asia Cup starting on Tuesday as they face off for the first time in cricket since the military conflict in May.Along with regional bragging rights, the Twenty20 competition will serve as a build-up towards the T20 World Cup in February-March in India and Sri Lanka.The eight-team event in the United Arab Emirates begins when Afghanistan play minnows Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi.Arch-rivals India and Pakistan clash in Dubai on September 14, with Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram saying players and fans from both teams should “remain disciplined and not cross the line”.The neighbours have not met on either side’s soil in a bilateral series since 2012 and only play each other in international tournaments on neutral ground as part of a compromise deal.The two Asian cricketing giants have been clubbed together in the same group and could potentially meet three times in the tournament, which concludes on September 28.There have been tensions in the build-up after the two countries fought an intense four-day conflict, their worst since 1999.The hostilities in May left more than 70 people dead in missile, drone and artillery exchanges, before a ceasefire.Both sides claimed victory and in a sign of lingering bitterness, an India team of retired players withdrew from their semi-final with Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in July-August in England.Led by former international Yuvraj Singh, the Indians also refused to play Pakistan in the group stage of the tournament, as clamour grew among fans to boycott the games.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was part of the veterans team and has strongly opposed the Asia Cup game.”Blood and sweat cannot co-exist,” Harbhajan told The Times of India.”It cannot be the case that there’s fighting on the border, tensions between the two nations, and we go to play cricket. “Until these big issues are resolved, cricket is a very small matter.”- India strong favourites -India and Pakistan last met in cricket, again in Dubai, in February in the 50-over Champions Trophy, with India winning by six wickets and going on to lift the title.They are also defending Asia Cup champions and led by Suryakumar Yadav are clear favourites against their old foes with a 10-3 win record against Pakistan in T20 internationals.Pakistan will be without star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both dropped from the shortest format because of poor form.India won the previous Asia Cup, which was played in a 50-over format in 2023, when they beat hosts Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo. India are strong favourites to retain their crown.The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council — Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka — earned automatic qualification to the tournament. They are joined by Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE, teams that secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC men’s Premier Cup.Group A is made up of India, Pakistan, hosts UAE and Oman.Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.The group stage will be followed by a Super Four round, followed by the final in Dubai.