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The much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter at the Asia Cup 2025 has become the centre of heated debate, with politics, national sentiment, and cricket colliding in the build-up. Despite escalating tensions following a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, the Indian team will not be stopped from participating in the tournament, as confirmed by a Sports Ministry source to PTI.

The ministry source clarified that while India does not allow bilateral cricket with Pakistan, the team will not be stopped from competing in multilateral events like the Asia Cup.

India to Play in Asia Cup Despite Strained Ties

The tournament is set to commence on 9 September, and the two neighbours could potentially face each other three times if they advance to the final.

This comes against the backdrop of severely strained diplomatic ties. Earlier this year, 26 tourists were killed in a terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking at terror bases across Pakistan. The offensive reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 100 militants associated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Gavaskar Defends Indian Cricketers

With calls from fans and sections of the public urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the tournament, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has stepped forward to defend the players.

Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar stressed that the cricketers should not be vilified for agreeing to face Pakistan. “If the government has taken a call, I don’t see how the players can be criticised,” he said. “They are contracted professionals who simply follow instructions. If the government says play, they play. If the government says no, the BCCI will act accordingly.”

“The Game Must Go On”: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pace great Wasim Akram also offered his perspective, backing the continuation of the tournament regardless of political tensions.

On the Stick To Cricket podcast, Akram remarked, “Asia Cup schedule is out, there is backlash. But we in Pakistan are calm. We will be fine whether we play or don’t play. The game must go on.”

He further expressed his wish to witness a red-ball contest between the arch-rivals, adding, “I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime.”

The marquee clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled for 14 September in Dubai, has grown into more than a sporting contest against the backdrop of terror strikes, retaliatory operations, and surging nationalistic emotions regarding cornering Pakistaon on every front.