'Cannot blame cricketers for playing' - Suniel Shetty on India-Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup clash

Renowned Indian actor and film producer Suniel Shetty has offered his perspective on the scheduling of the upcoming Group A clash between India and Pakistan. The arch-rivals are scheduled to take on each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

Shetty highlighted that the the multi-lateral tournament is being organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and that it will be up to individuals whether they want to watch the match or not. His remarks come amid calls of boycotting the game in view the strained political relations of the neighbouring nations, especially after the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. 

"It's [ACC] a world sporting body. They [players] have to abide by those rules and regulations because there are a lot of other sports and a lot of athletes who are involved in them. As Indians, I think that is our personal call that we have to take, whether we want to see it, whether we don't want to see it, whether we want to go or not go and that's a call India has to take," stated Shetty, as quoted by The Economic Times.

He defended the cricketers, sharing that it is not in their hands when it comes to boycotting the match. He concluded by remarking that no single entity can be blamed for the scheduling of the match. 

"You cannot blame cricketers for playing because they are sportsmen. They are expected to represent the country. I think that's a call we have to take. If I'm not going to see it, I'm not going to see it. It's for you to decide what each one of you wants to do. It's not in BCCI's hands. It's a world sporting body and you can't blame anybody," he added.

There has been a significant outroar in the media and amongst the public in general. Many have made up their decision to not cover the game.