India-Pakistan Asia Cup game sparks controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 schedule raised questions over India vs Pakistan matches, but Kedar Jadhav insisted the September 14 clash should not be played.
With the Asia Cup 2025 drawing near, doubts have emerged over whether India will face Pakistan after the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed more than 20 civilians. The fixture list suggested that the arch-rivals might meet up to three times in the tournament, but the political tensions have sparked strong reactions in India.
In response to the attack, the Indian government launched “Operation Sindoor” and took firm diplomatic measures against Pakistan. The announcement of India-Pakistan games in the Asia Cup has since fueled controversy nationwide.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, former cricketer and politician Kedar Jadhav said India must boycott the September 14 game against Pakistan. “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,” Jadhav said.
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“Ye match bilkul nahi khelna chahiye, aur khelenge bhi nahi, ye main daave ke saath keh sakta hun,” he added. The debate gained momentum as India had already refused to play against Pakistan last month during the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions boycotted their semi-final against Mohammad Hafeez’s Pakistan Champions, allowing Pakistan to qualify directly for the final, where they eventually lost to South Africa.
“Indian players have refused to play against Pakistan in the WCL semifinal scheduled for Thursday,” sources told IANS. “Retired international players representing India Champions have refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham,” PTI also reported, citing sources.
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Last Updated on August 18, 2025
