For the first-time in many years there isn't much of a buzz for the cricket match between the neighbours who always been a fierce rivals on the field. It all started after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. India veterans boycotted their World Championship of Legends match against Pakistan. Since the Asia Cup schedule was announced, a recurring debate has emerged over whether India and Pakistan should engage in a cricketing contest, given the strained political relations between the two nations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The BCCI, however, has maintained that it is bound by the central government's policy which permits participation in multinational tournaments but restricts bilateral series with Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As per the Union Sports Ministry's notification, India can play Pakistan in \"international and multilateral events\", but can't engage in \"bilateral sports events in each other's country\".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt Indian sentiments are hurt. India didn\u2019t play the World Championship of Legends match, and there\u2019s still no clarity on the matter. Also, the quality of Pakistan cricket has declined, which is why there isn\u2019t much hype around the India\u2013Pakistan clash this time,\u201d Kaneria told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The veteran bowler also expressed doubts about Pakistan\u2019s chances against India in the Asia Cup match, saying, \u201cThere is no competition right now.\u201d He pointed out that Pakistan\u2019s team is full of youngsters, with key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan missing. In contrast, India have a strong and deep batting lineup, led by Suryakumar Yadav.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPakistan is losing against smaller teams, and there are regular changes in the squad. This time, neither Babar Azam nor Rizwan is in the team... The condition of the team is such that there is no established player right now. Most of them are youngsters,\u201d added Kaneria.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kaneria opined that even if Pakistan loses, they will claim to be focusing on rebuilding the team. \u201cThey will go to the Asia Cup, and even if they lose to India, they will say that we are still preparing to make a new team.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd right now, there is no competition with India. Because the way India\u2019s team, led by first-time captain Shubman Gill, levelled the series against England even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was a big boost for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kaneria opined that even if Pakistan loses, they will claim to be focusing on rebuilding the team. \u201cThey will go to the Asia Cup, and even if they lose to India, they will say that we are still preparing to make a new team.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India started their campaign with a thumping nine-wicket win over the UAE on Wednesday, while Pakistan kicked off their campaign with a 93-run win over Oman on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n