‘Sport Must Go On’: Ganguly Backs India‑Pakistan Asia Cup Clash
Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has expressed support for India’s participation against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, despite rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Responding to growing public calls for a boycott, Ganguly stated that while terrorism must be strongly condemned, sporting ties should not be disrupted. “I am okay. Sport must go on. What happened in Pahalgam should never happen, but we can’t let that stop the game. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. Sport needs to be played,” he said.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman have been placed in Group A, with India’s high-stakes match against Pakistan scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. If both teams advance, they could meet again on September 21 in the Super Four stage and possibly in the final on September 28.
India begins its campaign on September 10 against the UAE. All Group A matches will be held at the Dubai International Stadium. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
Ganguly’s remarks come amid emotional appeals from certain quarters to avoid sporting engagement with Pakistan. However, the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council have approved the Asia Cup schedule, sticking with neutral venues and confirming India’s fixtures as planned.
By supporting the continuation of cricket between the two rivals, Ganguly reinforced the idea that sports can play a role in maintaining peace and dialogue, even when political relations remain strained.
