The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 is generating buzz not just for the on-field rivalry but also for the off-field controversies. Adding fuel to the fire, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has made scathing remarks about the current Pakistan cricket team, labeling them a "seventh-division team".

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, didn't hold back in his assessment of the Pakistan side. He went as far as to say that Pakistan shouldn't even be playing with the main teams and suggested they be grouped with the Associate nations instead. According to Srikkanth, it's a "big thing" that Pakistan is even allowed to participate in prestigious tournaments like the Asia Cup.

"Going forward, Pakistan shouldn't be playing with the main teams. Put them with the Associate nations and bring in others to replace them," Srikkanth stated. He further claimed that the India-Pakistan rivalry has become a thing of the past and that matches between the two sides will no longer attract crowds. "This Pakistan team offers no scare factor. It is like a seventh-division side in a Chennai league," he added.

Srikkanth also criticized Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, expressing doubt about the team's progress under his leadership. "Hesson will keep repeating how they are a good team and were unlucky against India, but with him in charge, they will go nowhere," Srikkanth said.

Srikkanth's comments come in the wake of Pakistan's defeat to India in the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025. The match was also overshadowed by a "handshake row," where the Indian team decided not to shake hands with their opponents after the match. This triggered a controversy, with Pakistan lodging a protest and even considering boycotting their match against the UAE.

While Srikkanth's remarks have been strong, other voices in the cricket fraternity have urged for calm and focus on the game. Amidst the controversies, both India and Pakistan are keen to avoid further escalations and protect their players. India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, when asked about the handshake row, chose to evade the question and emphasized that he has asked his players to "shut the noise" ahead of the match against Pakistan.

The India-Pakistan match in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 is set to be a high-stakes encounter. While India will look to continue their dominance, Pakistan will be eager to avenge their previous defeat and prove their critics wrong. Whether the match lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between these two cricket giants continues to capture the attention of fans worldwide.