As anticipation builds ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup face-off between India and Pakistan, diverse opinions are emerging across the nation. Many believe Indian players should refrain from participating in matches against Pakistan. Families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack have also voiced their concerns, highlighting that their wounds remain fresh and their tears are unabated.
Arguments now arise over why the current Indian team isn't following in the footsteps of legends like Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan who took a stand in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Could the current squad not consider a boycott?
It is worth remembering that in protest of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Team India Champions refused to play against the Pakistan Champions in the WCL. When asked why the current team isn't doing the same, Suresh explained that governmental approval endorsed the situation. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) stated that matches will only occur in multinational tournaments, ruling out any bilateral series between the two countries. Unlike the previous private series with senior players beyond the BCCI’s jurisdiction, this is an official tournament under ACC (Asian Cricket Council), compelling the team to participate despite personal reservations.
Suresh also pointed out that since Asia Cup is a multinational tournament, Indian teams have faced Pakistan at ICC (International Cricket Council) events over the past years.
Click here: Full schedule of Asia Cup 2025
Famed 'Chinnathala,' Raina candidly remarked that if polled individually, no player would personally opt to play in the Asia Cup clash with Pakistan. However, given BCCI and ACC mandates, they have little choice. Raina expressed his disappointment in India playing against Pakistan, affirming that under Surya's captaincy, if the current players were to give their personal views, they would likely decline participation...
This clearly indicates that while Suresh Raina reveals Team India's feelings about playing in the Asia Cup, each player's personal opinion doesn't favor playing against Pakistan.
India vs Pakistan H2H (T20)
Total Matches: 13, India Wins: 9, Pakistan Wins: 3, *Tie: 1*Note: The match at Durban in 2007 ended in a tie, with India clinching a victory in the bowl-out. This was the first T20 match between the two nations.
India vs Pakistan H2H (T20 Asia Cup)
Total Matches: 3, Pakistan Wins: 1, India Wins: 2
India vs Pakistan H2H @Dubai
Total Matches: 3, Pakistan Wins: 2, India Wins: 1
