Azhar concerned over Indo-Pak tie at Asia Cup, urges boycott of event

As the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup approaches, former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed serious reservations about the timing and context of the match, given the situation between the two countries.

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India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the T20 tournament scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The high-octane group-stage encounter is slated for September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.

“Looking at the current situation in the country, we shouldn't be playing this match. Everyone is aware of the issues we are facing,” Azharuddin told IANS, referring to the recent spike in cross-border tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Azharuddin stressed that if sporting ties were to continue, they should not be selective.

“And if we have to play, then we should play every sport — not just by picking and choosing,” he added, alluding to the absence of bilateral series and inconsistent sporting engagements between the two countries since 2012.