Team India and Pakistan are placed in the same group of the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The mega rivalry between India and Pakistan has been scheduled to be played on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium
Mohammad Azharuddin. Pic/Suresh Karkera
Ahead of the mega clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin said that we shouldn't be playing this match.
"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.
Team India and Pakistan are placed in the same group of the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The mega rivalry between India and Pakistan has been scheduled to be played on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Further, he said that cricket should not be the only sport which is supposed to be stressed on depending on the cross-border tensions between nations.
“And if we have to play, then we should play every sport — not just by picking and choosing," said Azharuddin, who has played 99 Test matches for India.
The former cricketer also said that no matter how much a person shares his personal opinions, the final call will be taken by the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"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," he said.
"Until the problem is resolved, we shouldn’t move forward," Azharuddin concluded.
Despite no bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan since 2012–13, the two teams continue to meet in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral venues.
Owing to the political sensitivities, the entire Asia Cup will be played in the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as host cities. The BCCI remains the official host of the 19-match tournament, with both nations agreeing not to play on each other's soil until at least 2027.
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.
Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams will be allowed to field 17-member squads for the event.
(With IANS Inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
