The animosity between India and Pakistan bubbled over at the Asia Cup finals in Dubai, showing that cricket is more than just a game when played between the two regional rivals.

India's victory over Pakistan at the Asia Cup finals this weekend bore stark testimony to how the two fierce rivals turn everything — including cricket — into just another arena for their decades of acrimony.

Cricket matches between the two national teams have always been viewed as epic confrontations, akin to a "war" where victory is crucial for national pride.

At the Dubai tournament, however, cricket faded into the background as politicians on both sides fanned the tensions over an actual armed conflict.

No trophy for Indians after 90-minute standoff

During a pre-tournament press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was photographed shaking hands with Pakistani politician Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha, prompting criticism from home.

Naqvi is the head of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but also serves