'Sport must go on but Pahalgam should not happen': Sourav Ganguly on India-Pakistan clash at Asia Cup

Sourav Ganguly on India-Pakistan clash at Asia Cup (PTI Photo)

The Asia Cup 2025 has led to a major furore in India as many have slammed BCCI for going on with the continental event. The tournament will be played between September 9-28 as confirmed by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday. The dates for the blockbuster meeting between India and Pakistan have also been revealed with a possibility of the arch rivals meeting thrice during the course of the tournament.

Apart from the public, several ex-cricketers have shared their opinion on the clash, which has received major flak online. However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels otherwise. Ganguly expressed that sports should continue, while condemning the ghastly Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives in the month of April.

Also Read | IND vs PAK backlash: Kaneria slams BCCI of 'using patriotism when it suits'; Kohli's ex-teammate says 'forfeit the game'

"I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. India took a strong stance towards terrorism... Sport needs to be played," Ganguly told ANI.

#WATCH | Kolkata: On India-Pakistan placed in the same group in the Asia Cup, former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly says, "I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped.… pic.twitter.com/Qrs17KOKrN

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025

Both the arch rivals are pooled in the same group and the first meeting between the two takes place on September 14. The two will go at each other again on September 21, which is a Super Four fixture and it requires both teams to reach the stage, the chances of which are high. Then there are chances of a third meeting but it only takes place if both reach the final, which is scheduled for September 28.

Meanwhile, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin also weighed in on the same. "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 was quoted as saying by the news agency.