Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has called for a new tournament named ‘Southern Hemisphere Cup’ to be formed. His remarks comes ahead of the IND vs PAK clash at Asia Cup 2025 in which he has picked India as the favourites. Apart from raising the demand for a new tourney, Panesar said that there would be a lot of eyes on the clash between India and Pakistan, adding that the competition was going to be exciting.
Move aside Asia Cup, Panesar wants Southern Hemisphere Cup
Speaking to news agency IANS, Panesar said that there should be a new Southern Hemisphere club in which India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia would feature. The former England spinner claimed that fans would get to witness some quality cricket being played via the tournament. Speaking about the IND vs PAK match, Panesar claimed that Pakistan would have to perform 20-30% extra because all eyes will be on them.
“India are favourites to win (IND vs PAK match) as their team is very strong. Pakistan would have to play very well, perform 10-20% extra. There should be another cup called the South Hemisphere Cup where India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa will play. You will get to see quality cricket,” Panesar said.
There has been a lot of outside noise over the IND vs PAK clash at the Asia Cup 2025. A section of fans, media and political parties have called for a boycott of the game in the backdrop of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. On Saturday, reports claimed that the BCCI will “invisibly boycott” the India vs Pakistan tie as none of its officials are expected to be in attendance for the game in Dubai. Meanwhile, the BCCI has clarified that India cannot boycott the game as not only would they be sanctioned but have already received a go-ahead from the Govt of India to take on Pakistan at multi-nation tournaments.
