Mohammed Shami answers whether India should play against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 or not

Mohammed Shami said that some fans target him after Pakistan matches because he is Muslim.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has shared his views on whether India should play against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. Ever since the schedule of the tournament was released, many fans have criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for deciding to play against Pakistan in the tournament.

Notably, there has been a public demand by Indian fans to shut all cricketing ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Some former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Kedar Jadhav have also slammed the BCCI’s decision to play against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025.

India and Pakistan are clubbed in Group A in Asia Cup 2025. They will clash with each other on September 14 in Dubai. Notably, both teams are highly expected to face each other in the Super Four round too and will clash on three occasions if they reach the final.

The government and board decide, and we follow: Mohammed Shami on India vs Pakistan clash

During a chat with News24, Shami was asked whether India should play against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup . Shami said that players follow BCCI and the government’s decisions in such matters. Notably, Shami is not part of India’s squad for the tournament.

“I stay out of controversies. The government and board decide, and we follow. Playing Pakistan is different because of the fan craze, but for players, it’s about performing,” he said.

Shami also said that some fans target him after clashes against Pakistan because he is Muslim. However, such trolling does not affect him.

“Some target me because I’m Muslim, especially after Pakistan matches. I don’t care. I’m not a machine; I’ll have good and bad days. When I play for my country, I focus on wickets and winning, not social media. Trolling doesn’t affect me because I avoid it,” he said.

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan have announced their squads for the eight-nation event. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Men in Blue in the tournament, while Salman Ali Agha is the skipper of Pakistan. India will play their opening game against the UAE on September 10.

Pakistan will clash with Oman in their first encounter on September 12. India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman are placed in Group A in the tournament. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong are part of Group B.

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