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"Shouldn't Play...": Azharuddin On IND Vs PAK Asia Cup Clash Amid Bilateral Freeze

Soumyajit Dutta

Azharuddin criticises the move from BCCI and ACC [Source: @pankhuriverma/X.com]Azharuddin criticises the move from BCCI and ACC [Source: @pankhuriverma/X.com]

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has ignited debate by challenging the logic of India facing Pakistan in the Asia Cup while bilateral cricket remains suspended due to political tensions. Azharuddin demanded consistency, arguing teams shouldn’t meet in international tournaments if they refuse to play each other in standalone series. 

The arch-rivals are scheduled to clash on September 14 in the ACC-organized Asia Cup 2025. Azharuddin’s comments spotlight the long-standing disconnect between diplomatic realities and multi-nation tournament fixtures involving the neighbours.

Azhar's "All or Nothing" Stance on Fixtures

The ex-skipper minced no words, insisting cricketing engagements must be consistent, not selective.

“I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too — that's what I believe,” Azharuddin declared in an interview with ANI.

His remarks directly question the status quo where India and Pakistan only meet in ICC or ACC events, having not played a bilateral series since 2012/13.

Azhar Distinguishes WCL Withdrawal from Asia Cup

Azharuddin also clarified that the recent withdrawal of India Champions from a Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was unrelated to ACC-sanctioned cricket.

“This is a matter for the board and the government. The veterans' league is not official, it's not sanctioned by the ICC or the BCCI. It’s conducted privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament governed by the ACC,” he stated. 

Azharuddin meant that Official ACC/ICC events operate under different protocols than private leagues, but the principle of selective engagement remains contradictory.

Not only Azharuddin but several Indian fans also criticised the move from BCCI as they took to X to troll the move and run hashtags of #BoycottAsiaCup. Notably, the Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the UAE, features eight teams in two groups. Top sides enter the Super Four, with the final set for September 28 after group-stage battles.