BCCI official interrupts as Ajit Agarkar, Suryakumar Yadav avoid question on controversial IND-PAK match at Asia Cup

BCCI official interrupts as Ajit Agarkar, Suryakumar Yadav avoid question on controversial IND-PAK match at Asia Cup

The goal of holding the Asia Cup for the past two decades or so has been to watch a cricket match between India and Pakistan. The money made from India's matches is much sought after by the broadcasters, particularly when Pakistan is the opponent; both revenue and viewership soar. The greatest rivalry in cricket is eagerly anticipated. It is even more unique because India vs Pakistan matches only take place at two events: the Asia Cup and the ICC competitions.

However, things are a little different this time. Tensions between the two countries increased in May. The Indian fans were determined to sever all relations with Pakistan following the terror assault in Pahalgam. Cricket was one among them.

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The scrutiny was so intense that two legends cricket matches between India and Pakistan that were scheduled to take place in England were called off. Now the two India vs Pakistan matches in Asia Cup 2025 are all but guaranteed to go ahead.

India's Asia Cup line-up was revealed at the at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters on Tuesday. A question about India's strategy for the match against Pakistan in light of the events of the past few months was raised toward the conclusion of the press conference.

Before India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav or chief selector Ajit Agarkar could respond, the query was cut off. The media manager clarified that only team selection questions would be taken for answers.

India are scheduled to play against Pakistan on September 14 as both nations are pooled in the same group. There could be two more meetings between the arch rivals during the course on the tournament but it depends on the performance. If both manage to reach the Super Four stage, India will lock horns with Pakistan on September 21 and the finals on September 28, which again depends on the qualification of both the sides.