Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin has sparked a debate regarding India's participation in the Asia Cup matches against Pakistan, questioning the logic behind playing against each other in international tournaments when bilateral series remain suspended. The two teams are slated to face off on September 14th in the Asia Cup 2025, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Azharuddin voiced his concerns about the "double standards" in the cricketing ties between the two nations, stating that if bilateral matches are not being played, then the teams should not participate against each other in international events either. He argues for consistency in cricketing engagements, suggesting an "all or nothing" approach. "I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too — that's what I believe," Azharuddin stated.
Political tensions have stalled bilateral series between India and Pakistan for years, with the teams only facing each other in ICC and ACC tournaments. The last bilateral series between the two countries was in 2012/13.
Azharuddin also addressed the recent withdrawal of Indian veterans from a Legends League fixture against Pakistan in the privately organized World Championship of Legends (WCL). He clarified that the WCL is not an official event sanctioned by the ICC or BCCI, unlike the Asia Cup, which is governed by the ACC. "This is a matter for the board and the government. The veterans' league is not official, it's not sanctioned by the ICC or the BCCI. It's conducted privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament governed by the ACC," he explained. This distinction aims to separate the official cricketing diplomacy of the Asia Cup from privately organized leagues.
His comments came a week after the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions side refused to play against the Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends, due to heightened political tensions. The decision was influenced by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
The Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, will feature eight teams competing in the T20 format. India and Pakistan are in Group A along with Oman and UAE, while Group B includes other participating nations.
Azharuddin's remarks have ignited discussions on the complexities of sports and politics, especially concerning India-Pakistan relations. His stance highlights the long-standing disconnect between diplomatic realities and the scheduling of matches in multi-nation tournaments.
