The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, has already generated significant buzz, not only for its blockbuster cricket matches but also for the political undercurrents surrounding the India-Pakistan clashes. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in on the matter, advocating for the continuation of sports despite the existing tensions.

India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group for the Asia Cup, setting the stage for potentially three high-stakes encounters. The first match is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. If both teams progress, they could face each other again in the Super Four stage, and potentially in the final on September 28.

Ganguly's comments come in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has triggered criticism regarding India's participation in matches against Pakistan. A segment of Indian fans and former cricketers have expressed their opposition to the two teams meeting on the field. However, Ganguly has adopted a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing that sports should not be held hostage by terrorism.

"I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time, Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped. India took a strong stance towards terrorism... Sport needs to be played," Ganguly told ANI. He acknowledged the national sentiment and the need to address terrorism with a firm hand.

Ganguly's stance is that isolating Pakistan in the sporting arena is not the solution. He believes that engagement through sports can be a powerful tool for fostering understanding and promoting peace.

The Asia Cup 2025 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is being held in the T20 format, which will serve as a tune-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Secondly, eight teams are participating in the tournament for the first time. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. India will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10.

The decision to hold the Asia Cup in the UAE is due to a mutual agreement between India and Pakistan to play at neutral venues until 2027, given the ongoing diplomatic tensions. This arrangement was also in place for the Champions Trophy held in Pakistan earlier this year, where India played all its matches in Dubai.

Despite the strong views, Ganguly's support for the India-Pakistan clash echoes a sentiment that sports can transcend political boundaries.