"Stop using patriotism"- Danish Kaneria exposes BCCI’s double standards over boycotting Pakistan in WCL, but playing them in the Asia Cup 2025

India and Pakistan have been grouped together in Asia Cup 2025 and are scheduled to clash on September 14.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria, commenting on the controversy surrounding Asia Cup 2025 schedule, suggested that the India–Pakistan clash was likely confirmed only after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granted its approval to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

According to the official schedule released by the ACC on Saturday (July 26), India and Pakistan are set to face off in the group stage on September 14.

The announcement comes just days after a tense episode, where the India Champions team pulled out of a World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 match against the Pakistan Champions.

“Cricket should happen (between the two countries)… People are talking about it because a recent incident occurred where there was supposed to be an India-Pakistan match at the World Championship of Legends, but ex-India cricketers boycotted the match. That move hinted that perhaps India would also skip playing Pakistan in future events like the Asia Cup or even ICC tournaments.“

“The boycott made headlines, and many statements followed, creating an impression that India might not participate in matches against Pakistan. But then there was an online meeting where Mohsin Naqvi—who is both the PCB chairman and the head of the Asian Cricket Council—and BCCI representatives were present. The ACC must have received a green signal from the BCCI, which is why the India-Pakistan match was scheduled,” Kaneria told IANS.

India and Pakistan do not play bilateral cricket in any format. The last time the two countries played each other bilaterally was in 2012/13. Since then, India and Pakistan have clashed in the Asia Cups and ICC events only.

Stop using patriotism – Danish Kaneria slams BCCI

Kaneria believes that the BCCI should have taken more time and consulted top leadership before committing to such a high-stakes fixture. He also slammed the BCCI for using patriotism when it suited them.

India and Pakistan will be paired together at the Asia Cup, and the two sides may play each other three times throughout the competition.

Two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage. Every team will play the other three once in the Super Fours. The final, scheduled for September 28, will feature two teams from the Super Four stage.

The former Pakistan spinner said that if cricket with Pakistan is ok, then the WCL game should have gone ahead as well. Kaneria was told not to use patriotism according to the situation.

“Indian players boycotted WCL and called it a national duty. But now Asia Cup vs. Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport—not propaganda,” tweeted Kaneria.

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