Instances when India or Pakistan declined from taking part in Asia Cup

Past instances when India or Pakistan declined from taking part in Asia Cup (AFP Photo)

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India and Pakistan are placed in Group A, along with the hosts UAE and Oman. Fans will witness an India vs Pakistan clash in the group stage on September 14. This might not be the only time the two rivals face off. India and Pakistan could meet up to three times in the tournament. First in the group stage, then in the ‘Super Four’ if both qualify, and once again in the final if they reach it.

However, fans are divided over this match happening due to the current political tensions between the two countries. In the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), India Champions were scheduled to face Pakistan Champions. But after strong backlash on social media, several former Indian players pulled out. Names like Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan all withdrew from the match.

Also Read | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's 2027 World Cup hopes uncertain as BCCI seeks clarity

Later, the two teams were again set to clash in the semi-final. But the India Champions stood firm on their stance and chose not to play. Pakistan Champions advanced to the final. Many fans supported this decision, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The attack worsened political ties and even caused a one-week halt in the IPL 2025. The war-like situation also impacted sports in both countries.

Now, despite calls from some fans to boycott the match, the India vs Pakistan game in the Asia Cup is likely to go ahead. A top source told NDTV: “This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable."

When India withdrew from Asia Cup?

This is not the first time politics has affected Asia Cup participation. For example, India toured Sri Lanka in 1985, but the series faced controversy due to poor umpiring. Then came the Anuradhapura Massacre in May, which killed 146 people. The Indian government tried to mediate peace talks between Sri Lanka and the LTTE in Bhutan, but the talks failed. As a result, India pulled out of the 1986 Asia Cup, which Sri Lanka hosted as they did not want to take any risk with the players. Only three teams — Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — participated.

Also Read | BCCI needs to set a guideline for Jasprit Bumrah — either full series or none

When Pakistan withdrew from the continental event?

In the 1990–91 Asia Cup, Pakistan withdrew due to strained ties with India. That tournament was held in India. The political tension also led to the cancellation of the 1993 Asia Cup. The tournament returned in 1995.

So, political issues have long shaped the Asia Cup. Now, in the 17th edition, fans remain divided over the India vs Pakistan clashes. But both teams are expected to play and compete for the title.