Before the big India versus Pakistan game in the Asia Cup 2025, Mohammad Azharuddin, the old India captain, thinks the match shouldn’t happen.
Azharuddin told IANS, Because of what’s happening now, we shouldn’t play this match. We all know what problems we have.
India and Pakistan are in the same group for the Asia Cup 2025, planned for September 9 to 28 in the UAE. The big game between India and Pakistan is set for September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.
He added that cricket shouldn’t be the only sport affected by the tension between the two countries.
Azharuddin, who played 99 Test matches for India, stated, If we’re going to play, we should play every sport, not just pick and choose.
The former cricketer also mentioned that even though people can share their thoughts, the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make the final decision.
He noted, No matter what we say, what the government and BCCI want is what will happen. I’m saying this after really thinking it over.
Azharuddin finished by saying, We shouldn’t do anything until the problem is solved.
Even though India and Pakistan haven’t played cricket against each other since 2012-13, they still play in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral places.
Because of political issues, the entire Asia Cup will be in the UAE, with games in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The BCCI is still officially hosting the 19-match tournament. Both countries have agreed not to play in each other’s country until at least 2027.
India will start against the UAE on September 10. They might play Pakistan again in the Super Four stage on September 21, depending on how the groups end up.
Group A has India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams can have 17 players for the tournament.