Latest news with #MohammadAzharuddin
News18
30-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Mohammad Azharuddin Against India Vs Pakistan In Asia Cup: 'Situation Is Bad'
Mohammad Azharuddin is the latest to voice is displeasure at the prospect of an India-Pakistan match in wake of Pahalgam terror attack. India shouldn't play Pakistan at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, feels former captain Mohammad Azharuddin who has cited the diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack as the reason why the marquee clash cannot be held. Azharuddin is the latest to join the chorus of voices expressing their displeasure at the prospect of India and Pakistan squaring off on the cricket field. Earlier this year, India conducted Operation Sindoor which involved precision attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Asian Cricket Council announced the Asia Cup schedule earlier this month which will see India and Pakistan play each other at least once and a maximum three times during the continental tournament slated to be held in the UAE. 'I don't think this should happen because we are playing against Pakistan in ICC and ACC tournaments only," Azharuddin told Aajtak. 'But if you look at the situation, I don't think it should. But at the end of the day, the Government of India and the BCCI will decide, but I feel the situation is bad and I don't think we should play." Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary is also against the two countries playing each other. ANI. 'The situation was so bad, how can we think of an India-Pakistan match? I feel that it should be reconsidered, and the India-Pakistan match should not happen in such an environment," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that the Operation Sindoor is still underway. 'Our Prime Minister is saying that Operation Sindoor is still going on…How can we play a match with Pakistan?" Tiwary wondered. The Asia Cup will get underway from September 9 with India and Pakistan set to meet on September 14. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
29-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
BCCI to take final call on India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025; withdrawal could hurt India's chances: Report
There is widespread anger among the Indian public after the Pahalgam attack, and amid this, the BCCI will be required to take a final call on the India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, as the cricket board does not fall under the Sports Ministry. read more The Asia Cup 2025 schedule, in which India and Pakistan have been , has led to a major controversy as former cricketers and politicians call for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the matches against the neighbouring country. The anger among the Indians in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack is still prevalent, as former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin recently said that India must boycott international matches against Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the BCCI is yet to officially speak on the matter. It has often followed the Indian government's directive when it comes to international cricket against Pakistan, but has never refused to play against their bitter rivals in International Cricket Council (ICC) or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was played in the 2012-13 season. Focus on BCCI as IND vs PAK debate heats up A Sports Ministry source has confirmed that the Indian government will not have any say on the participation in matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, as the BCCI doesn't fall under its purview. The India vs Pakistan match is slated for 14 September. They can also face each other in the Super Four round and then in the final. 'As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn't have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment,' a sports ministry source told news agency PTI. BCCI, however, may still go ahead and boycott the Pakistan game at the tournament due to the prevailing public sentiment, but that will impact India's chances at the tournament, which starts on 9 September. Any boycott will be considered as a walkover, with Pakistan getting full points from the match. 'This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable,' a source told NDTV. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This could force India to go ahead with their matches against Pakistan if they participate in the Asia Cup 2025.
NDTV
29-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Ex-India Skipper Issues Stern Warning For Pakistan Clash In Asia Cup: "Everyone Is Aware..."
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. 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. The veteran cricketer clarified that while he holds strong personal views, the final decision rests with the government and the BCCI. 'In the end, it's the government that will decide whether we should play or not. The decision made by the board, the government, and BCCI will be final.' He further added, 'Until the problem is resolved, we shouldn't move forward,' reiterating his belief that India should not engage in cricketing ties with Pakistan until the political and security tensions ease. 'No matter how much we say, ultimately, only what the government and BCCI want will happen. Whatever I am saying today, I'm saying it after careful thought and understanding,' Azharuddin concluded. Despite no bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan since 2012–13, the two teams continue to meet in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral venues. Owing to the political sensitivities, the entire Asia Cup will be played in the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as host cities. The BCCI remains the official host of the 19-match tournament, with both nations agreeing not to play on each other's soil until at least 2027. India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, with a potential second face-off against Pakistan in the Super Four stage on September 21, depending on group outcomes. Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams will be allowed to field 17-member squads for the event.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India vs Pakistan: 'We shouldn't be playing this match'- Mohammed Azharuddin
Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma Former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed concerns about the upcoming India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup T20 tournament, scheduled for September 14 at Dubai International Stadium, citing current cross-border tensions between the two nations including the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor . The Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with India and Pakistan placed in Group A alongside UAE and Oman. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "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. "And if we have to play, then we should play every sport — not just by picking and choosing," he added, referring to the lack of bilateral series between the two nations since 2012. Azharuddin emphasized that while these were his personal views, the final decision would rest with higher authorities. "In the end, it's the government that will decide whether we should play or not. The decision made by the board, the government, and BCCI will be final." "Until the problem is resolved, we shouldn't move forward," he stated, suggesting that cricket ties should remain suspended until political tensions ease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Back Pain! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo "No matter how much we say, ultimately, only what the government and BCCI want will happen. Whatever I am saying today, I'm saying it after careful thought and understanding," Azharuddin concluded. Poll Do you agree with Mohammad Azharuddin's stance on cricket ties between India and Pakistan? Strongly agree Disagree The tournament will feature 19 matches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with BCCI serving as the official host. Both nations have agreed not to play on each other's soil until at least 2027, leading to the selection of UAE as the neutral venue. India's campaign begins against UAE on September 10, with a potential second encounter against Pakistan possible in the Super Four stage on September 21. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams will be permitted to field 17-member squads for the tournament. Despite the absence of bilateral cricket since 2012-13, India and Pakistan continue to face each other in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral venues. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Azharuddin questions Ind's stance
Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin suggests if India are not playing bilateral matches, they should refrain from playing Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. Photo: AFP/File Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has called out the inconsistency in India's cricketing ties with Pakistan, suggesting that if bilateral matches are not possible, India should also refrain from playing Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. Azharuddin's comments come ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan are scheduled to face off on September 14 in the UAE. Depending on results, the two sides could potentially meet up to three times during the tournament. "I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too — that's what I believe," Azharuddin said. India has not played a bilateral series against Pakistan since December 2012, when the latter visited for a limited-overs series. The two last met during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, where India secured a six-wicket win. More recently, the high-profile World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 group-stage clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston, was called off. The WCL confirmed the cancellation through its official social media channels. Reports suggest that several Indian players, including Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and ShikharDhawan, had objected to the participation of former Pakistan captain ShahidAfridi, setting preconditions that eventually led to India's withdrawal from the match. Commenting on the ongoing debate surrounding India's participation in matches against Pakistan, the 62-year-old drew a clear distinction between official tournaments and private leagues. "This is a matter for the board and the government," he said. "The veterans' league is not official; it's not sanctioned by the ICC or the BCCI. It's conducted privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament governed by the ACC," he clarified. Kaneria takes dig at India Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has criticised India for what he perceives as a double standard in their approach to playing against Pakistan. Kaneria took to social media platform 'X' and questioned why India withdrew from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) clash last week, citing patriotism, yet have agreed to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. "Indian players boycotted WCL and called it a national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should've been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport, not propaganda," Kaneria tweeted. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is officially the host of the Asia Cup, the tournament is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of an agreement between India and Pakistan to play only at neutral venues until at least 2027, due to ongoing cross-border tensions. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for the Men's Asia Cup 2025, confirming that arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns on September 14 in the UAE. This edition of the continental event will follow the T20 format, serving as a crucial warm-up ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament features eight teams split into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The event kicks off on September 9 with the curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the high-voltage clash against India two days later. If both teams finish in the top two of their group, they are likely to meet again in the Super Four stage on September 21. The final is scheduled for September 28.
