Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has sparked a debate by challenging the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan despite bilateral cricket being suspended due to political tensions. Azharuddin demanded continuity and argued that if teams refuse to play bilateral series with each other, they should not meet in international tournaments.
India and Pakistan will face each other on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025, organised by the Asian Cricket Council. This much-awaited encounter is expected to grab a lot of attention.
If you are not playing bilateral matches, then you should not play international matches either: Azhar
Azharuddin said, “I always say that everything should happen, or else if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you are not playing bilateral matches, then you should not play international matches either – this is my belief.”
His comments directly question the status quo where India and Pakistan clash only in ICC or ACC competitions, and the two have not played a bilateral series since 2012/13.
Azharuddin stressed on this inconsistency in the schedule and reiterated the need for a unified stance on cricketing relations between the two countries. He also clarified that the Indian Champions team’s withdrawal from the match against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2025 was not related to cricket recognised by the Asian Cricket Council.
Azharuddin said, “It is a matter of the board and the government. The Champions League is not official, it is not recognised by the ICC or BCCI. It is organised privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament which is conducted by the ACC.” Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Eight teams will participate in this tournament, which have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. The competition will begin on September 9, with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong. The top teams from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage, with the final scheduled for September 28.
FAQ
Who is Mohammad Azharuddin?
Mohammad Azharuddin is a former Indian cricket captain and one of the most successful batsmen in Indian cricket history. He is also involved in cricket administration and commentary.
Why did Azharuddin get angry about the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup?
Azharuddin expressed his displeasure over the decision to approve the India-Pakistan match, likely due to political tensions, scheduling concerns, or logistical issues.
What exactly did Azharuddin say about the decision?
While the full statement may vary by source, Azharuddin reportedly criticized the decision-makers and questioned the logic and timing behind organizing such a high-stakes match.
Was Azharuddin against the match being held or just the timing of it?
It appears Azharuddin was more concerned with the timing, planning, and context of the match rather than opposing the idea of India vs. Pakistan matches altogether.
