Excitement is running high in Nagpur as Team India readies to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup group match in Dubai on Sunday, September 14. Despite a political uproar over the timing of the clash, local betting networks are buzzing with heavy wagers on India.
City bookies are firmly backing the Men in Blue even though both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are out of the lineup—a rare occurrence after nearly 20 years. Odds are stacked at 34–35 in India’s favour, meaning a ₹1,000 bet brings only about ₹340 in profit, while a ₹350 punt on Pakistan could return ₹1,000.
The figures reflect strong confidence in India’s form despite the absence of its biggest stars.With online betting and fantasy platforms offline following a government crackdown, traditional bookmakers expect brisk business.
Police officials said special squads are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance at known gambling hubs to curb illegal activity.
Political leaders, meanwhile, have criticised the match’s timing, citing the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that killed 26 people. They argue that holding an India–Pakistan contest so soon disrespects grieving families.Cricket historians note that the last time both Rohit and Virat missed an India-Pakistan game was during the 2007 Bengaluru Test and a subsequent ODI in Gwalior.
Sunday’s showdown is only the second white-ball clash without the celebrated duo—earning it the fan-given tag “No Ro-Ko match.”
Nagpur Police have appealed to citizens to stay away from illegal betting and assured that raids and real-time monitoring will continue through the night as the city braces for one of the Asia Cup’s most anticipated encounters.
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