'Pakistan’s stance is outstanding': Sarfaraz Ahmed supports PCB’s decision to skip India for Asia Cup 2025

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has supported the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision not to send the national team to India for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025. The tournament, which will be played in the T20 format, is now set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month.

The Asia Cup 2025 was originally planned to be hosted by India. However, due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) shifted it to a neutral venue in the UAE. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is the current president of the Asian governing body.

Sarfaraz Khan backs PCB

Speaking to the media at a private event, Sarfaraz praised PCB’s stand and said that they did the right thing in deciding not to send a team to India. “Pakistan’s stance for the Asia Cup is outstanding. The Asia Cup is happening in the UAE, so Pakistan’s initiative was best,” Sarfaraz was quoted as saying on Geo TV.

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The previous Asia Cup in 2023 was played in the ODI format and was originally supposed to be hosted by Pakistan. But after the BCCI refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan, the tournament followed a hybrid model, with India’s matches being played in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan also travelled to Sri Lanka to face India, and the final took place there as well. India won the title by beating the home team in the summit clash.

A few months later, Pakistan still travelled to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in October-November. However, when India again refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, the PCB decided they would not send their team to India until at least 2027.

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This decision has also influenced their approach towards the Asia Cup 2025 venue change. The Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to September 28. The blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will be played on September 14.