The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has largely revolved around the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown in Dubai, scheduled for September 14. Known as one of cricket’s most-watched rivalries, the clash is expected to draw massive global attention. Yet, alongside the excitement, a debate has emerged with several former Indian cricketers urging the team to pull out of the contest.
Ex-India batter and former Chennai Super Kings player Kedar Jadhav voiced strong resistance to the idea of India playing Pakistan in this year’s tournament. In a recent interview, he insisted that India should avoid the game altogether.
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"I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, I think that wherever India plays, it will always win, but this match should not be played at all, and they will not play. I can say this with confidence. Operation Sindoor is a hit, it is successful," Jadhav remarked.
India, placed in Group A with Oman, UAE, and Pakistan, is set to begin its campaign in the coming weeks. But Jadhav isn’t the first to raise such concerns.
Earlier, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh, speaking to TimesofIndia.com, had also called for India to decline the fixture. Stressing that “nation comes first,” Harbhajan argued cricket should not overshadow the sacrifices made by soldiers at the border.
With September 14 approaching, the build-up to the India-Pakistan encounter is turning increasingly emotional.
While fans look forward to the blockbuster game, the growing chorus of voices against it suggests the debate is only likely to intensify in the days ahead.
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