"Players are focused on…" India batting coach breaks silence on boycott calls ahead of Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025

India will play their next game of Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan on September 14.

Indian Cricket Team’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has responded to the boycott calls ahead of their next game of Asia Cup 2025 Pakistan. India will take on Pakistan on Sunday, September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Ahead of the match, many fans have urged Indian players to boycott the clash on social media. In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack in April, there has been a public demand by fans to halt all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Earlier, some former cricketers also backed the idea of not playing cricket against Pakistan in the tournament.

When the Asia Cup schedule was announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in July, many fans slammed the Board of Control for India (BCCI) for playing against Pakistan in the tournament. Recently, the Indian government issued a new sports policy under which it allowed players to play against Pakistan in multi-national tournaments.

Once we are here to play, players are focused on playing cricket: Sitanshu Kotak

Speaking to press during India’s practice session ahead of the Pakistan game, Kotak said that the decision to play against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 is aligned with the BCCI and Indian government. Moreover, players are more focused on playing cricket.

“Once we are here to play, players are focused on playing cricket. That’s what we focus on. I think for the player and us. Once BCCI says, and they are aligned with the government. We are here to prepare and to play. India-Pakistan is always a competitive game. So we would rather focus on that,” Kotak said.

Notably, India and Pakistan are highly likely to clash once again in the Super Four round. Moreover, they can face each other thrice during the tournament if they both reach the final. Both teams are part of group A in the tournament alongside Oman and UAE.

Meanwhile, India won their opening game against theUAE by nine wickets to make a wonderful start to the tournament. Pakistan are scheduled to clash with Oman in their opening game.

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