Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has added fuel to the ongoing debate around the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, as he weighed in on the highly anticipated India–Pakistan clash scheduled for next month in the UAE.
Jadhav, while acknowledging India’s strength and ability to beat any opponent, insisted that the marquee fixture against Pakistan should not take place at all.
“I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, wherever India plays, it will always win. But this match should not be played, and I can say this with confidence that they will not play,” he said.
His comments echoed those of legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who earlier questioned the very need for India to face Pakistan in the tournament.
“Why do we give them so much importance?” Harbhajan had remarked.
Harbajan was part of the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), where the India Champions refused to face the Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and the semi-final.
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Despite these calls, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has already confirmed the schedule.
The Asia Cup will get underway on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the opener.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are slotted in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
India and Pakistan are slated to meet on September 14 in Dubai. The tournament, to be played in the T20 format, is seen as vital preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, where another India–Pakistan clash could take place on September 21.
The final has been scheduled for September 28.
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