'If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't...': Mohammad Azharuddin slams BCCI over IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes India should not play Pakistan in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025 if they are not engaging in bilateral series.

On July 26, the scheduled for the upcoming Asia Cup announced. The two neighouring countries who engaged in border conflinct earlier this year are set to go up against each other on cricket field on September 14.

“I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too — that's what I believe,” Azharuddin said in a conversation with Times of India.

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India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series for over a decade. But, they continue to play each other in ICC and ACC tournaments. In the upcoming Asia Cup, there can be up to three clashes between the arch-rivals.

Azharuddin was also asked about Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions withdrawing from their group stage match against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. Azharuddin refrained from talking about the WCL as it is a private tournament, where ICC and BCCI are not involved.

“This is a matter for the board and the government,” he said.

“The veterans' league is not official, it's not sanctioned by the ICC or the BCCI. It’s conducted privately. But the Asia Cup is a tournament governed by the ACC,” he 62-year-old added.

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India vs Pakistan recent clashes in T20 and ODI formats

The last time India and England played on the ICC stage was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India played all their matches in Dubai, UAE and reclaimed the trophy. Hosts Pakistan played against India in Dubai and lost as Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century. Pakistan bowed out of the tournament without a win.

In the T20 format, their previous clash was in T20 World Cup 2024 on US soil. In New York, India beat Pakistan in a low-scoring game. India went on to win the trophy after 17 years.