The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown in the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked controversy even before the first ball is bowled. With the fixture set for September 14 in the UAE, political tensions have overshadowed the cricketing rivalry. India and Pakistan are drawn in the same group, increasing the chances of the two arch-rivals facing each other up to three times during the tournament, including a potential final clash.
Shreevats Goswami Calls for India to Boycott Pakistan Clash
Following the recent Pahalgam terror attacks, diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly. This has led to former India wicketkeeper-batter and U19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami urging the Indian team to forfeit their Asia Cup match against Pakistan.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goswami wrote:
“My read on the Asia Cup going forward is India to & must forfeit the game against Pakistan & let them qualify. We don’t need to win the Asia Cup. The only reason India is participating is cause it helps other nations economically or else I don’t see any reason.”
He further emphasized that playing the match would go against public sentiment:
“Ideally, this is what should & must happen & if India decides to play against Pak it will make the nation angry! It should! #AsiaCup2025.”
India’s Group and Tournament Format
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format. India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The other group features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Given the tournament structure, India and Pakistan could meet in the Super Four stage and again in the final, depending on results.
This isn’t the first time India has avoided playing Pakistan in a cricketing tournament. Recently, India refused to take on Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) due to similar political concerns.
As the Asia Cup draws closer, pressure continues to mount on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a clear stance. Whether India plays or forfeits, the decision will resonate far beyond the cricketing field, highlighting once again how sport and politics often intertwine in the subcontinent.
