Mohammad Azharuddin Slams BCCI's Decision To Agree For India vs Pakistan

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin recently shared his views on India's decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. This much-anticipated match is set for September 14, with the tournament taking place in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Azharuddin criticised India's choice to face Pakistan in multilateral events like the Asia Cup while avoiding bilateral series with them. He questioned the logic behind participating in such tournaments if bilateral matches are not played.

"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. But whatever the government and the board decide will happen...".

India's Refusal to Play WCL Match

Azharuddin's remarks came shortly after India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, declined to compete against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham. The organisers eventually cancelled this match due to escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan following a terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam.

Azharuddin clarified why India chose to participate in the Asia Cup despite skipping the WCL match. He explained that the WCL is neither an ICC nor BCCI-approved event but rather a private affair. In contrast, the Asia Cup is governed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Asia Cup 2025 Format and Groups

The ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi ended months of speculation by announcing the complete schedule for the 17th Asia Cup. The tournament will be played in T20 format as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. For the first time, eight teams will participate in this season of the Asia Cup.

Group A includes India, Pakistan, Oman, and host UAE. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.