Asia Cup scrapped forever after India-Pakistan drama

The Asia Cup 2025 may have concluded on the field, but off-field drama has overshadowed the game itself, leaving many questioning the relevance of the continental tournament. Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has raised doubts about whether the Asia Cup is serving its purpose anymore.

Chopra pointed out that the tournament now mirrors not only the teams’ performance levels but also the strained relationships between players and boards, especially India and Pakistan. The Asia Cup 2025 final, which India won by five wickets against Pakistan, ended in high tension.

Aakash Chopra questions Asia Cup’s relevance amid India-Pakistan drama

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on X: “Should there be an Asia Cup? And has it run its course? But there is no point in it now. And I ask this question because this Asia Cup has shown its mirror to the subcontinent. Firstly, it is a mirror of your level of play. And secondly, it is a mirror of your relationships. You don't see each other eye-to-eye anymore. So, what is the point?”

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After India refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, they had to return home without the silverware. And Chopra pointed out how Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to talk with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, and then there were delayed matches, post-match ceremonies, and the controversial final.

Chopra mentioned how the India-UAE match was delayed because the PCB didn’t want Andy Pycroft to officiate the match because of the handshake controversy. Given that he called the cricket boards to scrap the Asia Cup. He noted, “I don't think it is serving the purpose that it used to serve. So, let's walk our own paths.”

Aakash Chopra suggests the pentangular series after the Asia Cup 2025 drama

The cricket pandit suggested a simple tournament with five teams—India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal—that could restore excitement and clarity. He said, “Let's make it pentangular. Invite India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal and make them happy.”

He stressed that the Asia Cup should prioritize cricket over politics, giving players the freedom to play without unnecessary pressure and distractions.

Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra said that there was a time when the India-Pakistan rivalry used to exist, but now that is not there anymore, as the matches are one-sided, mentioning the Men in Blue’s three straight wins against the Men in Green in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025.

Chopra said that India and Pakistan players are under huge pressure, and cricket is losing the spirit and fun it once had. Losing is not an option there, and that’s why cricket takes a backseat; players behave like they did in the Asia Cup 2025.

Read Also: Tilak Varma demolishes Haris Rauf's World Class tag; reveals Pakistan players' sledge in Asia Cup final

It's time for introspection for all the teams: Aakash Chopra

The commentator requested the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to scrap the tournament, as it is not an “obligation.” He stressed that things won’t change much even if it won't happen. He explained, “What difference will it make to anyone? Because of the way it happened in the Asia Cup, no. We talked about everything except cricket. And when we talked about cricket, there was a change.”

Chopra signed off by saying, “So, I think it is time for introspection for all the teams. Is it even worth it? No? Things keep changing. What do you guys think about the Asia Cup? The standards, the politics, the toxicity that we have seen, the unnecessary undue pressure on the players, and what not.”

Should we even have an #AsiaCup anymore? Does it serve the purpose it once used to? pic.twitter.com/qp0ziz9PUV

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 30, 2025