As tensions between India and Pakistan rise following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor, former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami has made a bold appeal to the BCCI. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goswami urged India to forfeit their Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan, stating that playing the fixture could anger the nation.
India and Pakistan have been drawn in the same group for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to kick off in September in the UAE. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match is set for September 14, with potential follow-up clashes on September 21 (Super 4) and September 28 (Final) if both teams advance.
“My read on the Asia Cup going forward is India must forfeit the game against Pakistan & let them qualify. We don’t need to win the Asia Cup,” Goswami tweeted.
“If India decides to play against Pakistan, it will make the nation angry — and it should!”
He further claimed that the only reason India is participating in the tournament is to support the economic interests of other nations, not for sporting merit.
Background: Asia Cup 2025 & Rising Political Heat
The Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams: India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong form Group B.
Calls for boycotting the Pakistan fixture have grown louder after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, reportedly targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Previously, the BCCI was reported to be considering withdrawing from the tournament due to strained diplomatic ties. With Goswami’s comments adding fuel to the debate, questions around India’s final stance are growing.
Pakistan vs India – A Likely Triple Clash?
If India does participate as scheduled, fans may witness up to three matches between the two nations:
- Group Stage: 14 September
- Super 4s: 21 September (if both qualify)
- Final: 28 September (if both reach the final)
Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria also criticized India’s decision to participate, especially after the recent cancellation of the WCL 2025 match between the two sides.
