India open their Asia Cup campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday, stepping in as clear favourites both on the field and in the betting charts. Led by Suryakumar Yadav and powered by Shubman Gill’s blazing form, the Men in Blue are tipped to go all the way.
In the satta markets, India are comfortably placed on top of the list as overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy. Yet, unlike Dubai—which has long been the epicentre of high-stakes wagers—India’s betting circles are contrastingly quiet.
A mix of government crackdowns, political pressure and the recent Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 (PROGA) have subdued traditional betting markets. The law bans all online money games and betting, sets tough penalties for violations and prohibits banks from processing such transactions, further dampening the excitement in the satta markets.
On the other hand, Dubai’s undercurrent remains strong. For India’s opening match, the odds boards showed India at 1.02 against the UAE’s distant 13.13. For the marquee India-Pakistan clash, India traded at 0.30 paise, while Pakistan languished at 13.1.
“India is quiet, but Dubai hasn’t lost its rhythm,” said one bookmaker, preferring anonymity. “Ticket sales are slow, and this is true for the India-Pakistan match as well, but we expect the crowd to turn up once the match approaches.”
Organisers have confirmed that seats for the India–Pakistan match are available, which is unusual for any showdown involving the two cricketing rivals in the UAE. Insiders, however, said the stadium would eventually be packed, considering that India–Pakistan matches have always been more than just cricket.
While India are tipped to lift the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are shaping up as challengers, and Afghanistan and Bangladesh are lurking as dark horses. The UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, on the other hand, are considered long shots.
Muted betting boards aside, one certainty holds true: an India-Pakistan clash transcends cricket. It is a cultural collision and an emotional spectacle, too. Although the frenzy has shifted underground, the excitement is building up in Dubai, historically considered a gambler’s paradise.
India far ahead in betting charts
India – 1.40
Sri Lanka – 7.00
Pakistan – 10.00
Afghanistan – 11.00
Bangladesh – 11.00
UAE – 51.00
Oman – 101.00
Hong Kong – 251.00
By Joe Williams
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