Shocking Call: World Cup Winner Says India Should Boycott Pakistan Clash in Asia Cup 2025!
In a bold and controversial statement, former India U-19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami has called for Team India to forfeit their highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan. The two teams are scheduled to face off on September 14 in the UAE, but Goswami believes the game should never take place.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Goswami didn’t mince words.
“India must forfeit the game against Pakistan and let them qualify. We don’t need to win the Asia Cup,” he posted.
“The only reason India is participating is because it helps other nations economically — or else I don’t see any reason.”
His comments come just days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which has once again escalated political tensions between India and Pakistan. For Goswami, cricket should not be played when national sentiments are wounded.
“If India decides to play against Pakistan, it will make the nation angry — and it should!” he added in another post.
The Asia Cup 2025, set in the UAE, will feature India and Pakistan in the same group along with UAE and Oman. The format is T20, and if both teams progress, they could clash up to three times, including a possible final. But with calls like Goswami’s gaining traction, that scenario may never unfold.
This isn’t the first instance of cricketing relations between the two countries being affected by political strain. India recently declined to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing security concerns and national sentiment.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t responded to Goswami’s comments yet, but fans are already split. Some believe boycotting the game sends a strong political message, while others feel that mixing sports with geopolitics defeats the spirit of cricket.
Still, Goswami’s take taps into a larger debate — should cricketing ties continue amid diplomatic breakdowns? His stance, while controversial, isn’t isolated. Over the years, several players and public figures have voiced similar concerns, especially when political tensions peak.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to prepare for the Asia Cup as planned. If India pulls out or refuses to play even one match, the structure of the tournament could face significant changes. Sponsors, broadcasters, and fans await clarity, but one thing’s certain — this India-Pakistan face-off has become far more than just a cricket match.
Will the BCCI stick to the schedule, or will national sentiment drive a dramatic withdrawal? All eyes are now on Indian cricket’s next move — and the countdown to September 14 has taken a fiery turn.
