Sourav Ganguly Emphasizes Sports Continuity Amid India-Pakistan Rivalry in Asia Cup

Ganguly's Perspective on India-Pakistan Grouping

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed on Sunday that he has no issues with India and Pakistan being placed in the same group for the upcoming Asia Cup. He stressed the importance of continuing sports despite the need to eliminate terrorism.

According to the Asia Cup schedule, the long-standing rivals India and Pakistan are set to compete in Group A, facing off on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. Ganguly stated, 'I agree with the schedule. Sports must go on. What happened in Pahalgam should never occur again, but we cannot let it halt sports. Terrorism must end. India has taken a strong stance against it, and now it belongs to the past. Sports should continue.'

India's Campaign and Group Dynamics

India will kick off its Asia Cup journey against the UAE on September 10, with expectations to play all its matches in Dubai. The two teams may face each other again in the Super Four stage on September 21.

In Group A, India is joined by Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) will allow 17-member teams for this 19-match tournament, with games scheduled in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hosting Challenges and Historical Context

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the official host for this edition of the Asia Cup, but the event is being held in the UAE due to ongoing tensions along the India-Pakistan border, which has led both nations to agree to play only at neutral venues until 2027. Following the Pahalgam attack, both countries were on the brink of war, which India responded to with 'Operation Sindoor.'