In a dramatic twist ahead of the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricketer Shreevats Goswami has publicly urged Team India to forfeit their group-stage match against Pakistan. The explosive comment comes just days after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the tournament schedule, set to take place from September 9 to 28.

The India vs Pakistan showdown is scheduled for September 14, with both teams placed in Group A alongside hosts UAE and Oman. However, Goswami took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express strong opposition to India participating in the match.

“My read on the Asia Cup going forward is India must forfeit the game against Pakistan and let them qualify. We don’t need to win the Asia Cup. The only reason India is participating is because it helps other nations economically. If India decides to play against Pakistan, it will make the nation angry. It should!” Goswami posted.

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His comments reflect the heightened emotions surrounding the India-Pakistan fixture, especially after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that strained diplomatic and sporting ties further between the two countries. Many voices had already called for a complete boycott of bilateral ties—including cricketing engagements—with Pakistan.

Despite the growing sentiment, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly confirmed that the match will proceed as scheduled. Following an internal agreement at the ACC meeting, India committed to hosting and participating in the full tournament without exception.

As tensions rise both on and off the field, the upcoming encounter promises to be more than just a cricket match—it may serve as a political flashpoint on the international sporting stage.

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