Ganguly Calls for Cricket to Continue Amid Turmoil

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has spoken in favour of continuing cricket ties with Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) last week confirmed that the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash will take place on 14 September in the UAE.

Ganguly, while reacting to concerns around the match, remarked that although the Pahalgam tragedy was heartbreaking, such incidents should not interfere with sports.

The legendary cricketer emphasised that while terrorism must be opposed strongly, sports bring people together and should go on as planned.

Indian media has since called on the BCCI to reconsider playing against Pakistan. However, insiders revealed that the board had already given its approval to the ACC schedule in Dhaka earlier this year.

A senior BCCI figure mentioned that the match arrangements had been finalised and that India, being the host of the Asia Cup, could not backtrack at this stage. So far, no official statement has been released by the board to suggest any change in stance.

The India-Pakistan match is widely regarded as the most anticipated game of the tournament and is expected to draw massive global viewership.

Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams and follow the T20 format. The event starts on 9 September, with the opening game between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. It also serves as a major warm-up ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will begin their tournament against Oman on 12 September, followed by a group-stage game against the UAE on 17 September.