Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for what he called a lack of consistency in its stance on playing Pakistan in cricket tournaments. His remarks come after India agreed to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, despite the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team refusing to play Pakistan in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL).
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan group match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Stadium. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
Speaking to the media, Azharuddin expressed disappointment over what he called a double standard:
“I always say that everything should happen, or if it doesn’t happen, then it shouldn’t happen at all. If you’re not playing bilateral games, then you shouldn’t play international events either — that’s what I believe.”
He added:
“But whatever the government and the board decide will happen.”
Azharuddin’s comments came in the wake of the India Champions team withdrawing from their match against Pakistan Champions in Birmingham, citing political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
While acknowledging the difference between the tournaments, Azharuddin said:
“The veterans’ league isn’t official — it’s not sanctioned by the ICC or BCCI. It’s conducted privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament governed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).”
Ending weeks of speculation, ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially announced the schedule for the 17th edition of the Asia Cup on July 26.
Although the BCCI is the official host, the tournament will be played in the UAE, as both India and Pakistan have agreed to compete only at neutral venues until at least 2027, due to ongoing diplomatic tensions.
According to the ACC’s agreement with broadcasters, India and Pakistan are guaranteed to be placed in the same group, ensuring at least one clash. There’s also the potential for two more matches — one in the Super Four stage, and possibly a third in the final, if both teams advance.
