Asia Cup
Terrorism has to stop but sports must go on: Sourav Ganguly on controversy over India-Pak match in Asia Cup
Kolkata/IBNS: Amid criticism of the scheduling of India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack, former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said terrorism must stop but sports should be played between the two nations.
Speaking to ANI, the ex-BCCI president said, "I am okay. Sport must go on but at the same time, Pahalgam-like incidents should not happen. Terrorism has to stop. I think India took a strong stance to terrorism. That's past, just try and make sure it doesn't happen again but sports needs to be played."
#WATCH | Kolkata: On India-Pakistan placed in the same group in the Asia Cup, former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly says, "I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped.… pic.twitter.com/Qrs17KOKrN
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025
The Asian Cricket Council last Saturday announced the mega clash between India and Pakistan will be held on September 14.
The continental tournament will be played in T20 format this year.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the tournament from September 9 to September 28.
A political controversy broke out after the match was scheduled amid the soaring sentiment of nationalism in the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people at Baisaran Valley in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
Apart from several opposition politicians who have criticised the move, former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin said, "My stand is against playing international events if we are not playing bilateral matches. But the government and board are supreme to take the decisions."
#WATCH | Hubballi, Karnataka | On India to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, Former Indian cricket team captain and Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin said, "... My stand is that if you are not playing bilateral events, then you should not play international events either. But… pic.twitter.com/eWT6VDj5N3
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025
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