'If you don't play bilateral, don't play tournaments either' - Azharuddin on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin has sparked debate by questioning the rationale behind India facing Pakistan in the Asia Cup while bilateral cricket between the two nations remains suspended due to ongoing political tensions.

Azharuddin called for consistency in cricketing relations, arguing that if the two countries are unwilling to play bilateral series, they should also refrain from meeting in multinational tournaments. He stressed that cricket engagements should be consistent and not selective.

India and Pakistan are set to face off on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025, organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The much-anticipated clash is expected to draw significant attention.

“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 said.

Asia Cup 2025 to run from September 9 to 28 in UAE

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Asia Cup 2025 to run from September 9 to 28 in UAE

India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC or ACC events and have not played a bilateral series since the 2012–13 season. Azharuddin emphasised this inconsistency in scheduling, reiterating the need for a unified stance on cricketing ties between the two nations. He also clarified that the recent withdrawal of India Champions from their scheduled clash against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 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,” Azharduddin added. 

Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 is set to be held in the UAE. The tournament will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The competition begins on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong. The top teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, with the final set to take place on September 28.