“The Sport Must Go On”: Sourav Ganguly Backs India vs Pakistan Clash in Asia Cup 2025 Despite Heavy Backslash
Sourav Ganguly supports India vs Pakistan match in the 2025 Asia Cup despite political tensions, saying “the sport must go on.”
Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has expressed support for India’s participation in the 2025 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, saying that while terrorism must be condemned and stopped, “the sport must go on.”
“I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. India took a strong stance towards terrorism… Sport needs to be played,” Ganguly told ANI.
India-Pakistan Group Clash Set for September 14
The Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams for the first time: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. India and Pakistan are drawn together in Group A, along with hosts UAE and Oman.
Their group-stage clash is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, and could be the first of up to three potential meetings, including a likely Super Four showdown and a possible final on September 28.
BCCI Hosts, UAE Venue
While India is officially the host, the tournament is being held in the UAE under a neutral venue agreement between the BCCI and PCB, which runs until 2027. The decision aims to sidestep ongoing diplomatic tensions and avoid direct hosting in either India or Pakistan.
The Asia Cup broadcaster agreement ensures that India and Pakistan are placed in the same group to maximize viewership and commercial appeal.
Political Tensions and Calls for Boycott
The scheduled encounter comes at a time of heightened tension between the two nations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. India’s response with Operation Sindoor has further escalated cross-border sensitivities.
Criticism has mounted online and among former cricketers urging India to boycott matches against Pakistan. Just weeks ago, India’s World Championship of Legends (WCL) team pulled out of a match against the Pakistan Champions, hours before it was due to begin.
Tournament Logistics and Optimism
Despite the controversy, the ACC president Mohsin Naqvi has called this edition the “Asia Cup at its finest,” with 19 matches to be played across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“This year marks yet another milestone in ACC’s journey… This will be Asia Cup at its finest,” said ACC president Mohsin Naqvi
The ACC has approved 17-member squads and unanimously endorsed the UAE as host during a meeting on July 24.
