“We Won’t Beg Anymore”: Pakistan’s Bold Stand Ahead of Asia Cup Match vs India

With the Asia Cup around the corner, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has drawn a firm line on India-Pakistan cricket relations.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Naqvi said the PCB will no longer request India for bilateral series, making it clear that future talks, if any, will only be on equal terms.

“We are clear that any future discussions will take place on equal terms with India. There will be no more begging for negotiations. That era is over, and moving forward, everything will be based on equality,” Naqvi stated.

The Long-Running Standoff

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, despite repeated attempts from the PCB to revive ties.

While matches between the two nations generate huge commercial interest, they now only face each other in multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events.

The standoff is not limited to bilateral cricket. Disputes over hosting rights have also fueled tensions.

Even though India holds the official hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2025, the tournament has been shifted to the UAE after India declined to play in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy.

High-Stakes Group Stage Clash

The political freeze means bilateral cricket is unlikely anytime soon, as the Indian government has also made its stance clear.

For now, fans must rely on tournament encounters, with the most anticipated one scheduled for September 14, when India and Pakistan meet in the group stage of the Asia Cup.