The fallout from the Asia Cup 2025 has reignited the debate over whether India and Pakistan should face each other less frequently in international tournaments. However, a senior BCCI official has dismissed such suggestions, calling them “easier said than done,” given the commercial and broadcast interests tied to these high-profile encounters.
The recent Asia Cup saw India and Pakistan clash three times, with Suryakumar Yadav’s India winning on each occasion. The tournament, however, was marred by tension and controversy — from India’s refusal to accept the trophy from ACC President and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, to heated on-field moments during the Super 4 stage.
The official told Dainik Jagran that any decision to cut down on India-Pakistan games is far more complex than it appears.
“It’s easy to talk about all this, but will sponsors and broadcasters agree to it? In today’s situation, if any major team — not just India — withdraws from a tournament, it becomes difficult to attract sponsors,” the official explained.
These remarks came in response to former England captain Michael Atherton’s suggestion to the ICC that India and Pakistan should not meet frequently, citing the strained political climate and rising tensions between the two boards.
Trophy drama continues
Adding to the ongoing drama, India still hasn’t received the Asia Cup trophy. With Suryakumar Yadav’s team refusing to accept the silverware from Naqvi, the trophy reportedly remains at the ACC headquarters in Dubai. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has stated that the Indian captain must personally collect it from him.
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During a recent ACC meeting, tempers reportedly flared between Naqvi and BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar, but no resolution was reached. Naqvi allegedly avoided direct questions regarding the trophy handover, keeping the controversy alive.
For now, the uncertainty continues — not just about when India will receive the trophy, but also about when cricket fans will next witness another high-voltage India vs Pakistan showdown.
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