The India–Pakistan rivalry has always been cricket’s biggest stage, and with the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, the excitement is at all-time high. However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges thus far. Despite withdrawal threats and backlash from fans, India agreed to play the tournament, chaired by ACC President and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Now, former India and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Kedar Jadhav believes the marquee clash in Dubai may not happen at all, despite being locked into the tournament schedule.
India won’t play Pakistan?
While speaking to ANI, Jadhav said:
“I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, I think that wherever India plays, it will always win, but this match should not be played at all, and they will not play. I can say this with confidence… Operation Sindoor is a hit, it is successful.”
India and Pakistan have been drawn together in Group A alongside Oman and hosts United Arab Emirates, with Group B featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup begins on September 9, with the India–Pakistan fixture slated for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
On paper, not only will the arch-rivals square off in the group stage, but they could also meet again in the Super Four and even the final. That sets up the tantalising prospect of three Indo-Pak encounters within three weeks. Jadhav has reflected a sentiment that has been shared by many former cricketers.
The unease grew last month when a scheduled India–Pakistan legends match in England, featuring stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Shahid Afridi, was cancelled at the last moment. The decision came after heavy criticism on social media against Indian players’ participation.
Incidentally, India Champions and Pakistan Champions were scheduled to meet once again in the semi-final. However, the Indian team declined to play against Pakistan once again, with the Men in Green advancing to the finals.
Officially, though, the picture remains different. Earlier this year, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had confirmed that India would continue playing Pakistan in multilateral tournaments across sports. The BCCI too had sought government clearance, and once approval was granted, the expectation was that the Asia Cup would proceed smoothly.
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