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There were demands for boycott from all sides, but former captain and BCCI boss Sourav Ganguly has surprised everyone by supporting this match.
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025, tensions in India-Pakistan relations were at their peak. 26 people died in the attack, and India launched Operation Sindoor in Pakistan in response.
After drone war, counter-attacks and tension, a ceasefire was declared on 10 May. Amidst all this, questions were being raised on Asia Cup 2025.
But in the Asian Cricket Council meeting in Dhaka, it was decided that the tournament will take place, and both India and Pakistan will play.
The schedule of Asia Cup was also announced on 26 July. This tournament will be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September.
India and Pakistan are in the same group, and their big match will be held in Dubai on 14 September. If both the teams advance, then there can be a clash three times.
Ganguly praised BCCI for giving the green signal to this match and said,
“I have no problem. Sports should go on, but terrorism should stop. Incidents like Pahalgam should not happen. India has taken a tough stand against terrorism, but cricket should be allowed to continue.”
His statement gave a befitting reply to those demanding boycott.
At the same time, former cricket administrator Makrand Waingankar praised Ganguly.
He said, “Now is the time for Dada to take charge of Indian cricket. After match fixing, it was Ganguly who gave a new color to Indian cricket. If India loses the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, then Gautam Gambhir and the selectors should be removed and Ganguly should be given the responsibility.”
For now, this time India-Pakistan match is not just a game, but also a field of emotions and politics.
So how much impact will Ganguly’s statement have, and will this match be able to give a message of peace? Only time will tell.