Former India cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin has expressed serious reservations about the timing and context for the India v Pakistan encounter in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The tournament, which will begin on September 9, will see the two archrivals clashing on September 14.
India is the host of the tournament that will be played in T20 format in the UAE. The Asia Cup 2025 also features Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. India are the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2023 that was played in a 50-over format.
India has been grouped with Pakistan, Oman, and Hong Kong in Group A and will clash with Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai.
"Looking at the current situation in the country, we shouldn't be playing this match. Everyone is aware of the issues we are facing," Azharuddin told IANS, referring to the recent spike in cross-border tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Azharuddin emphasized that if sporting relationships were to endure, they must not be selective.
“And if we have to play, then we should play every sport—not just by picking and choosing,” he added.
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012. They have since only clashed in ICC and ACC events. India has also not traveled to Pakistan since 2008, while Pakistan has traveled to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup recently.
However, after the stand-off for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both Indian and Pakistani cricket boards have come to a resolution that they will not play in each other’s countries till 2027, and if any ACC or ICC tournament is hosted by them, the other country will play their matches at a neutral venue.
Mohammed Azharuddin clarified that while he holds strong personal views, the final decision rests with the government and the BCCI.
“In the end, it's the government that will decide whether we should play or not. The decision made by the board, the government, and BCCI will be final. Until the problem is resolved, we shouldn't move forward,” Azharuddin stated, reiterating his belief that India should not engage in cricketing ties with Pakistan until the political and security tensions ease.
“No matter how much we say, ultimately, only what the government and BCCI want will happen. Whatever I am saying today, I'm saying it after careful thought and understanding,” Azharuddin concluded.
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, with a potential second face-off against Pakistan in the Super Four stage on September 21, depending on group outcomes.
(IANS inputs)
