'We are not going to play Pakistan, but...': IPL chairman Arun Dhumal's raw take on India's decision to play vs Pakistan in Asia Cup after Pahalgham terror attack

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal opened up on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 despite growing demands from fans to not have any sporting relations with the neighbouring nation in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

Indian Armed Forces started Operation Sindoor to counter the cross-border terrorism after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed on April 22 by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

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Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the government of India has reformed a policy to deal with Pakistan in sports events and declared that the Indian athletes and teams will be allowed to participate in "international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. However, India will continue to refrain from participating in competitions in Pakistan and will not participate in any bilateral events.

"I would like to wish Team India all the best. I think the government has clarified its position. We are not going to play Pakistan, but we are going to play them in ACC/ICC events. So we will follow what the government says" Dhumal told ANI.

Along with this, the government of India also declared that the visa policy will be "simplified" for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies for a "maximum" period of five years, confirmed a source in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) earlier in August as quoted by ANI.

India and Pakistan are placed in the same group in the Asia Cup 2025; both teams are scheduled to face each other on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. India will potentially face Pakistan three times in the mega event, once in the league stage, next in the Super 4 round and then possibly in the final.

Defending champions India have already played their tournament opener against the UAE, where they defeated the side by nine wickets by chasing down a mere target of 58 runs in just 4.2 overs. India and Pakistan last faced each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the Rohit Sharma-led side defeated them by six wickets.