The announcement of the India vs. Pakistan match in the 2025 Asia Cup has sparked strong reactions from fans and former cricketers. Many are criticizing India for playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup, given the terrorist attack in Pahalgam this past April, where 26 civilians died at a tourist spot in Kashmir on April 22. This incident strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, leading to worries that the Asia Cup 2025, set for September 9-28, might be cancelled.
But the event got the go-ahead. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly told NDTV that if the government permits the Indian team to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the match should occur. India is set to play Pakistan on September 14. If both teams make it to the Super 4 stage, they will play again on September 21. A third match between the two is possible on September 28 if they both reach the final.
Ganguly told NDTV that India-Pakistan cricket has always required government approval. If the government allows it, the game will happen, and he has said before that terrorism must stop. He added that both teams have played in the Asia Cup and World Cups, but bilateral series haven’t happened in a while.
Back in April, however, Ganguly stated that all ties with Pakistan should end following the Pahalgam attack. He told ANI that strict action is needed and that terrorism cannot be tolerated.
Ganguly also praised India’s performance, noting how the team, led by Shubman Gill, showed resilience to force a draw, even though England controlled much of the match. He felt the India team was good in Manchester, and the way Rahul, Gill, Jadeja and Washington played was worthy of praise. He added that a week earlier, they had to chase 193 at Lord’s, and the series is showing superb quality from everyone there. It’s good to see Rahul, Gill, Pant, Jadeja and Washington Sundar taking the game to a high level.