India Champions Decide Not to Play Against Pakistan
Former Indian cricketers have opposed firmly playing against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Under the World Championship Legends (WCL) 2025, the India Champions were to play Pakistan twice — in the league phase and the semi-finals.
India Champions, however, decided to boycott both matches. As a result of their decision, Pakistan made it directly to the final. Indian players attested that even if the match was a final, they would have taken the same decision.
We will not play against Pakistan. For us, the nation always takes precedence. We take such decisions with complete responsibility. We feel elated to play for India and will never disappoint the country. We pulled out even after having reached the semi-finals. If it had been the final, we would even adhere to the same decision," said an India Champions player.
Attention Shifts to Asia Cup 2025
Attention is shifted to the Asia Cup 2025, which is reportedly scheduled to take place in the UAE, according to a statement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
There is mounting pressure on India to pull out from the Asia Cup as well. India should not participate in any sport events with Pakistan, many feel, as Pakistan supports terrorism, according to allegations.
Though there were criticisms that India has agreed to play the Asia Cup, the stand of former players in this regard shall be taken into consideration when a decision is to be made again. The BCCI is silent so far.
Many Indians are strongly opposing the idea of playing with Pakistan, but the government officials have earlier urged not to oppose the ICC tournaments.
Possible Effect on Future Tournaments
If India does pull out of the Asia Cup, it can have some bearing on their inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy 2026, popularly known in local circles as the "Potti Cup." This would mean very serious financial losses for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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