India and Pakistan match performed at Nassau County Worldwide Cricket Stadium on June 9, 2024 in New York. — AFP
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has mentioned he has no objection to India being grouped with Pakistan within the upcoming Asia Cup, including that whereas terrorism have to be condemned, sport should proceed.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) just lately unveiled the extremely anticipated schedule for the Males’s Asia Cup 2025, confirming that arch-rivals Pakistan and India will lock horns on September 14 within the UAE.
In keeping with studies, India, because the official host of the match, can not withdraw from the Asia Cup or refuse to play in opposition to Pakistan.
Throughout a latest ACC assembly held in Dhaka, BCCI reportedly gave a nod to proceed as deliberate, successfully ruling out the potential of a boycott.
Citing sources, studies counsel that following the BCCI’s formal approval, withdrawing from both the match or the high-profile fixture in opposition to Pakistan is not a viable choice.
“The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the match now. The decision was agreed upon after the ACC meeting. Since India is the host nation, nothing can be changed at this stage. An official-level discussion took place, and the outcome was decided accordingly. The match will go ahead as scheduled,” BCCI sources had been quoted as saying on Sunday.
Notably, the BCCI has not issued any statements suggesting a boycott — both throughout or after the assembly, or for the reason that launch of the official schedule.
Indian media retailers criticised their very own cricket board and authorities, with renewed calls to boycott the Pakistan match — drawing parallels with comparable sentiments expressed in the course of the World Champions League.
The eight-team match will begin on September 9 with a curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
This version of the continental occasion will comply with the T20 format, serving as an important warm-up forward of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, then again, will start their marketing campaign in opposition to Oman on September 12, whereas its last group-stage match is scheduled for September 17 in opposition to the UAE.
