Team India Finally Breaks Silence on Playing Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

By Rohit - Sep 12, 2025 11:13 PM
Last updated on Sep 12, 2025 11:20 PM

The countdown to one of the most highly anticipated cricket matches in the world has begun, but this time the India vs Pakistan clash in the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 comes wrapped in controversy, emotions, and political undercurrents. As calls for boycotting the marquee clash grow louder across India, Team India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has finally broken the silence, insisting that the players are fully focused on cricket and not distracted by the external noise.

The Group A match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, but the buildup has been anything but routine. With the shadow of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), fans and political observers are questioning the decision to let India face Pakistan in any capacity.

Government’s Stance Clears the Path

Before the tournament began, the Indian government made its policy clear: while bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains off the table due to strained relations, India’s participation in multilateral events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments would continue. This distinction paved the way for India and Pakistan to meet in Dubai, despite heightened tensions.

However, for many fans, the government’s position has not been enough to soothe sentiments. Social media platforms are filled with hashtags demanding a boycott, targeting both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for scheduling the matches.

Kotak: “Focus is Only on Cricket”

Amid the storm, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided clarity from inside the Indian camp:

“Once we are here to play, we are focused on playing cricket. I personally don’t think there is anything on my mind apart from playing cricket. That is what we are focusing on,” Kotak told reporters on Friday.

He further added:

“I think for players and us, once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and play. It will be a competitive game. India versus Pakistan is always competitive, so we would rather focus on that.”

Kotak’s words underline the long-standing approach of players and coaching staff: politics and diplomacy are left to administrators, while cricketers concentrate on performance.

The Possibility of Three Encounters

The Asia Cup format could intensify the India-Pakistan narrative. The two sides are placed in the same group, ensuring at least one meeting in the group stage. If both teams progress to the Super 4s, a second clash is inevitable. And if fate aligns, fans might witness a third showdown in the final.

Such possibilities are traditionally welcomed by broadcasters and sponsors due to the massive global audience India vs Pakistan matches attract. However, this year, the political climate has cast doubt over whether fans will tune in with the same enthusiasm.

The Handshake Controversy

Earlier in the week, Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav found himself at the center of a social media storm after a video surfaced of him shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the official captain’s press conference.

The handshake, viewed by many as a simple courtesy, sparked fierce debate online. Critics accused Suryakumar of being “insensitive” given the recent terror attack, while others defended him, stating that sportsmanship should not be mistaken for political approval.

The issue escalated further when Suryakumar was also spotted shaking hands with ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, a Pakistani politician. Despite the backlash, the Indian captain later expressed excitement about the upcoming clash, reiterating that the focus is on delivering for fans on the field.

Ticket Sales Tell a Different Story

Traditionally, India-Pakistan encounters witness tickets selling out within hours, often resold at astronomical prices. This time, however, reports from Dubai suggest a lukewarm response.

Several seats remain unsold, and organizers are struggling to generate the usual frenzy. Experts believe the combination of boycott calls and the prevailing national mood may be discouraging Indian fans, who typically form a large portion of the crowd at neutral venues.

The real test, however, will be television and digital viewership ratings. Will the boycott translate into a dip in TRPs, or will the historical rivalry overpower political and emotional considerations?

Cricket vs National Sentiment

The situation highlights a larger debate that resurfaces every time India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in a sporting arena. Should cricket serve as a bridge in difficult times, or does playing the game risk undermining national sentiment after tragedies like the Pahalgam attack?

For many fans, the timing of the Asia Cup is unfortunate, coming so soon after Operation Sindoor, which reignited anger over cross-border terrorism. For others, sports remain an independent domain, and cricket provides a platform for healthy competition despite strained ties.

Conclusion

As Sunday approaches, both camps are finalizing preparations. For India, the goal is clear: maintain focus on performance. Kotak’s insistence on ignoring the noise reflects a dressing room determined to block out distractions. For Pakistan, the contest offers a chance to showcase resilience amid hostile rhetoric..

Regardless of the political undertones, one thing remains certain: when India and Pakistan take the field, the cricketing world will watch. Whether the audience cheers, boycotts, or watches in silence, the match will once again demonstrate the unique power of sport to capture attention—even in the most divisive of times.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorers in India vs Pakistan T20Is

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