Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has shared his views on India’s participation against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with the India-Pakistan match on September 14. Azharuddin criticized India’s decision to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup while bilateral series are not being played. He emphasized his view that if bilateral matches are not happening, India should not participate in international events either, though he acknowledged the decisions are made by the government and the board. His remarks followed the cancellation of a match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends due to political tensions. Azharuddin distinguished between the WCL, which is not an official ICC or BCCI-approved tournament, and the Asia Cup, which is under the purview of the ACC.
