India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the T20 tournament scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The high-octane group-stage encounter is slated for September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Looking at the current situation in the country, we shouldn\u2019t be playing this match. Everyone is aware of the issues we are facing,\" Azharuddin told IANS, referring to the recent spike in cross-border tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India\u2019s subsequent Operation Sindoor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azharuddin stressed that if sporting ties were to continue, they should not be selective. \u201cAnd if we have to play, then we should play every sport \u2014 not just by picking and choosing,\u201d he added, alluding to the absence of bilateral series and inconsistent sporting engagements between the two countries since 2012.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The veteran cricketer clarified that while he holds strong personal views, the final decision rests with the government and the BCCI. \u201cIn the end, it\u2019s the government that will decide whether we should play or not. The decision made by the board, the government, and BCCI will be final.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further added, \u201cUntil the problem is resolved, we shouldn\u2019t move forward,\u201d reiterating his belief that India should not engage in cricketing ties with Pakistan until the political and security tensions ease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNo matter how much we say, ultimately, only what the government and BCCI want will happen. Whatever I am saying today, I\u2019m saying it after careful thought and understanding,\u201d Azharuddin concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite no bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan since 2012\u201313, the two teams continue to meet in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral venues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Owing to the political sensitivities, the entire Asia Cup will be played in the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as host cities. The BCCI remains the official host of the 19-match tournament, with both nations agreeing not to play on each other's soil until at least 2027.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite no bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan since 2012\u201313, the two teams continue to meet in ICC and ACC tournaments at neutral venues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams will be allowed to field 17-member squads for the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n