Andrew Strauss today made a plea for calm as England and Pakistan prepared for their first Test match since the spot-fixing scandal at Lord's in 2010.
The bowling of no-balls for corrupt purposes in that match led to prison sentences for former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and seam bowler Mohammad Asif, while 19-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Amir was sent to a young offenders' institute.
As that tour engendered huge animosity between the teams, skipper Strauss and opposite number Misbah-ul-Haq have taken the opportunity to remind their players of the need to behave.
Ahead of the three-Test series which begins tomorrow, Strauss said: "Given this history, it's important we recognise our responsibilities. You go out there and play good, hard cricket and make sure things don't escalate into something more serious.
"But any ideas that this is not going to be a competitive series are wide of the mark. These are two very good sides who are hungry to keep improving and come the first ball tomorrow there will be a lot of competitive juices flowing."
Strauss and Misbah shared a handshake today as they posed with the series trophy and the pair were due to meet again at the ICC match referee's meeting, while the teams are staying in the same hotel here in Dubai.
England suffered an injury scare today when Ian Bell was struck on the left hand. The batsman went for a precautionary X-ray but is expected to be fit for tomorrow.
