Boycotting Pakistan In Asia Cup Cricket Match Means Letting Them Win Uncontested: Govt Sources

Boycotting Pakistan In Asia Cup Cricket Match Means Letting Them Win Uncontested: Govt Sources

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 30, 2025, 12:01 IST

Government sources said India should not boycott the Asia Cup Champions match against Pakistan, as it would amount to giving them a walkover.

India-Pakistan match (Photo: AFP)

As the league stage clash between India and Pakistan is set to take place on September 14, government sources on Wednesday said boycotting Pakistan in the Asia Cup cricket match would mean letting them win without contest.

They also said that since the upcoming match is not a bilateral series, India’s refusal to play would benefit Pakistan.

Recommended Stories

“This is not a bilateral series. If India refuses to play in such multilateral tournaments, it would benefit Pakistan; it would be akin to giving them a walkover," government sources said.

“If, during the Olympics, a Pakistani team or athlete is scheduled to play against India, why should India not compete and instead let Pakistan win? India should play and defeat Pakistan," they added.

The clash between the arch-rivals, despite the growing uncertainty, will be played at the Dubai International Stadium as planned after the Indian cricket board gave the green light during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, sources said.

Later, the ACC released the Asia Cup schedule, confirming the league stage clash between India and Pakistan. Both teams are grouped in Group A along with hosts UAE and Oman.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

“The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the match now. The decision was agreed upon after the ACC meeting," BCCI sources were quoted as saying by IANS.

“Since India is the host nation, nothing can be changed at this stage. An official-level discussion took place, and the outcome was decided accordingly. The match will go ahead as scheduled," they added.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

view comments

First Published: July 30, 2025, 11:23 IST

News india Boycotting Pakistan In Asia Cup Cricket Match Means Letting Them Win Uncontested: Govt Sources

Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Click here to read article