The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly intervened after a reporter asked Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav about India’s upcoming Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan.
Squad Announcement Turns Tense
On Tuesday, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav unveiled the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 in Mumbai. While the squad itself generated debate over selection calls, the press conference took an unexpected turn when a journalist raised a sensitive question. The reporter asked about India agreeing to play Pakistan despite the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
Political Backdrop Raises Questions
Following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, many voices across India urged the BCCI to suspend all cricketing ties with Pakistan. The matter even reached Parliament, where several MPs questioned why India should face Pakistan in multi-nation events. The controversy grew louder after India launched Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Despite this, the Asia Cup schedule confirmed that India and Pakistan could potentially meet up to three times in the tournament — in the group stage, Super 4s, and possibly the final.
BCCI Media Manager Cuts Off Question
When a reporter asked, “Looking at this Asia Cup, there is a big game on the 14th, India versus Pakistan. With everything that has happened between the two countries over the last two months, how will you approach that game?” — the BCCI media manager quickly interrupted. He reminded journalists that only selection-related queries would be entertained, preventing Agarkar and Suryakumar from answering.
Recent Precedent in WCL 2025
The situation is reminiscent of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, where an India vs Pakistan match had to be canceled due to public backlash. Several ex-Indian cricketers also withdrew, which forced organizers to call off the clash. India Champions later pulled out of a semi-final against Pakistan, granting the latter a walkover.
India vs Pakistan Fixtures Ahead
In the Asia Cup 2025, India will face Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai during the group stage. If both teams advance, they will meet again in the Super 4s on September 21, with the possibility of a third encounter in the final.
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