India and Pakistan to Play on September 14
India and Pakistan are going to play against each other on September 14 in a group stage match of the Asia Cup. Ever since the match was announced, numerous users on social media have been expressing concerns. Public opposition towards sporting relations with Pakistan has mounted following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Match Not Likely to Be Cancelled Despite Public Opinion
Despite controversy, the match is not going to be cancelled. India could play against Pakistan a maximum of three times throughout the tournament. Officials point out that as the Asia Cup is not a bi-lateral series and consists of multiple teams, missing matches would contribute to unfairness.
Government and BCCI Roles Clarified
As per the Sports Ministry, BCCI now functions beyond its control since the National Sports Governance Bill has yet to be passed. The ministry official stated they would wait and see how the BCCI reacts to popular opinion. However, they asserted that bilateral sports ties with Pakistan continue to be off the agenda.
Mixed Views from Experts and Former Officials
Lieutenant General (Retd) KGS Dhillon, the erstwhile chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, has already gone public and demanded an outright sports boycott of Pakistan. Sourav Ganguly, erstwhile president of BCCI, however, denounced terrorism but feels that sports must continue.
Asia Cup and Governing Bodies
The Asia Cup comprises eight teams and is not an event of the ICC. Presently, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council. India has not been playing a bilateral series against Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, although they have played them in the ICC events in neutral locations.
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