"Indian players don't want to play vs Pakistan, BCCI forcing them"- Legend shares Asia Cup 2025 state
Published - 20 Aug 2025, 11:23 AM | Updated - 20 Aug 2025, 11:31 AM
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Cricket’s biggest rivalry, India vs Pakistan, is all set to make a comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, but this time it comes wrapped in controversy and political heat.
The India National Cricket Team is all set to open its Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 9 against the UAE, but all eyes are already fixed on the India vs Pakistan clash scheduled on September 14 in the group stage.
The reason behind the fury among the former Indian cricketers and politicians is the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which shook the entire nation and led to India’s strong retaliation through Operation Sindoor.
Sunil Gavaskar defends players amid India-Pakistan boycott storm
Since Operation Sindoor is ongoing, there have been massive calls for a complete cut of sporting ties with Pakistan. The schedule of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 left many feeling betrayed as the India vs Pakistan fixture was confirmed despite the rising tensions on the border.
Adding to the drama, there is a possibility of the high-voltage clash three times in the tournament—once in the group stage, then again in the Super 4s, and maybe even in the final if they go through.
Read Also: Sunil Gavaskar reacts on India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025
Even in the Parliament, several MPs slammed the BCCI’s silence on the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, while many former cricketers demanded a boycott of the game. Now, fans have been slamming the Indian cricketers for agreeing to face Pakistan at the event.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has joined the heated debate with a powerful message. With fans, critics, and politicians calling for a boycott in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Gavaskar has made it clear that players should not be the target.
The players are helpless in this: Sunil Gavaskar on India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025
The former India captain reminded everyone that cricketers have no control over such decisions. Gavaskar stressed that the players are tied to their contracts with the BCCI, and whether or not India faces Pakistan will only be decided by the government, not the BCCI.
Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by India Today: “If the government has taken a call, I don’t see how the players can be criticized or commented upon, because the players at the end of the day are contracted to the BCCI, and they will be taking the instructions from the government of India. And so, it entirely depends on that.”
Gavaskar further noted, “The players are helpless in this. They’ve been selected to play in the Asia Cup, and if the government says you have to play, then they will go out and play. If the government says you don’t, then the BCCI will act accordingly.”
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Sunil Gavaskar praises India’s strongest Asia Cup squad, but says India vs Pakistan clash still uncertain
On being asked whether India could still pull out of the high-voltage clash against Pakistan or even the entire Asia Cup 2025, the well-known commentator said, “Like I said, it is entirely up to the government of India to tell the BCCI what to do.”
At the end, the former Indian captain hailed India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad as one of the strongest line-ups in years. With explosive batting options and a balanced bowling attack, Gavaskar believes that the squad has everything needed to defend the title in the UAE.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “This is a fabulous squad. It has depth in batting, variety in the left- and right-hand combinations, and terrific balance in bowling as well. It’s a fantastic team.”
🚨 A look at #TeamIndia's squad for #AsiaCup 2025 🔽 pic.twitter.com/3VppXYQ5SO
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 19, 2025
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Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more
