Earlier today, former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shouldn’t play against Pakistan. The comment came after the Asia Cup 2025 schedule came out. Heavy criticism followed online, as people pointed out that India shouldn’t play against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
India vs Pakistan match should happen
However, former BCCI President and Indian captain Sourav Ganguly thinks that sport should continue irrespective of what happens between India and Pakistan on the geopolitical front.
“I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time, Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. India took a strong stance towards terrorism… Sport needs to be played,” Ganguly told ANI.
The India vs Pakistan match was always going to happen when India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed that India would continue to play against Pakistan across all sports in international events. The BCCI was waiting for the government’s approval, and when they got it, there was no doubt that the Asia Cup 2025 would happen.
However, things took a turn last week. A legends match between India and Pakistan was scheduled to happen in England. Big names like Shikhar Dhawan, Shahid Afridi, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh were to play. However, on the eve of the match, social media criticised Indian players for participating in the game.
On the day of the match, it was cancelled. Considering this had happened, many expected the Asia Cup 2025 wouldn’t happen, as an India vs Pakistan match couldn’t take place anymore. However, that’s not the case.
Asia Cup 2025: Full schedule
| Date | Day | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 9 | Tuesday | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong |
| Sept 10 | Wednesday | India vs UAE |
| Sept 11 | Thursday | Bangladesh vs Hong Kong |
| Sept 12 | Friday | Pakistan vs Oman |
| Sept 13 | Saturday | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka |
| Sept 14 | Sunday | India vs Pakistan |
| Sept 15 | Monday | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong |
| Sept 16 | Tuesday | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan |
| Sept 17 | Wednesday | Pakistan vs UAE |
| Sept 18 | Thursday | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan |
| Sept 19 | Friday | India vs Oman |
| Sept 20 | Saturday | Group B Q1 vs Group B Q2 |
| Sept 21 | Sunday | Group A Q1 vs Group A Q2 |
| Sept 22 | Monday | Rest Day |
| Sept 23 | Tuesday | Group A Q2 vs Group B Q1 |
| Sept 24 | Wednesday | Group A Q1 vs Group B Q2 |
| Sept 25 | Thursday | Group A Q2 vs Group B Q2 |
| Sept 26 | Friday | Group A Q1 vs Group B Q1 |
| Sept 28 | Sunday | Final |
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