As Asia Cup 2025 approaches, India is gearing up to play against UAE before the big match against Pakistan. The decision to play Pakistan has sparked a lot of talk, mixing sports and politics given the military tensions between the two countries.
Some fans feel India should not play Pakistan even in ICC (International Cricket Council) or other big events. But Devajit Saikia, a top official at BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) told NDTV in an interview why that’s not possible.
When asked about the complaints about India playing Pakistan in Asia Cup, Saikia said BCCI is just doing what the government says about sports with Pakistan.
Saikia said when it comes to the Indian team playing cricket or any sport, the government has rules and policies. He believes the government has made these rules to guide sports bodies in the country. So they can decide if they will play in international tournaments.
He further explained if India doesn’t play Pakistan in tournaments with many teams, ICC or Asian Cricket Council might punish them. Saikia also thinks avoiding these games will hurt young cricketers and ruin their careers.
Saikia said the government has thought of everything, including what’s best for the sports bodies and the players. If a team doesn’t play in a big international tournament, the sports body involved will be penalized. This will stop young players from growing and having good careers.
India and Pakistan will play each other on September 14 in the group stage of Asia Cup. They might even play each other thrice before the tournament ends.
