The schedule for the upcoming Asia Cup, beginning on September 9th, has been announced, with significant attention on India’s decision to play against Pakistan. The opening match is set for September 14th, with a potential rematch in the Super Four round on September 21st. The prospect of multiple matches between these nations in a short timeframe has garnered considerable interest.
One of the primary reasons behind this decision appears to be India’s desire to host the 2036 Olympics. Hosting the Olympics demands a demonstration of openness and neutrality in international sports, adhering to the Olympic Charter, which prohibits discrimination based on political, religious, or racial grounds. The Indian government, represented by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, has publicly stated its lack of objection to matches against Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. An example of this stance is the approval granted to the Pakistan Hockey Team to participate in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament.
Furthermore, the competitive spirit between India and Pakistan will be evident in women’s cricket, with matches planned for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. The recent cancellation of a match between the two teams in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has added another layer of complexity, intensifying the scrutiny of the Asia Cup proposals and the broader dynamics of their sporting relations.