As India announced their squad for the Asia Cup, one unexpected moment during the live press conference on Tuesday stole all the spotlight.
After announcing the 15-member squad, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar were facing the media in a press conference, where a question from a journalist left the duo clueless.
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The question had nothing to do with India’s squad, but was focused on the controversial debate related to the summit clash between India and Pakistan scheduled to be played on the 14th of September.
Suryakumar Yadav and Ajit Agarkar stopped from answering the question about the India vs Pakistan match
During the later stages of the press conference, a journalist asked a question to India’s chief selector Agarkar and captain Yadav about India deciding to play against Pakistan in the continental event, amidst the poor Geopolitical relationships between the two nations.
BCCI quickly intervened, preventing any response as they asked the reporters to ask questions only related to the squad.
“Wait, just wait. If you have a question regarding the team selection, you can ask that,” the media manager said before moving ahead to the next question.
Ever since the Pahalgham attack, the relations between India and Pakistan have been strained. The fans from India have urged the BCCI to avoid playing Pakistan in any event and break all cricketing ties with the neighbouring country.
India is scheduled to play Pakistan in a league game on the 14th of September, and can potentially face their arch-rivals thrice, provided both teams make it to the Super Fours and the Finals.
Considering the current diplomatic tensions surrounding the nations, India’s decision to play against Pakistan has been heavily criticized. Several MPs have also raised questions in the Parliament regarding the issue.
Cross-border terrorism and security breaches have been a long-standing issue surrounding India and Pakistan. The two countries faced off in a war-like situation in May this year.
If everything goes as planned, the Asia Cup 2025 will be the first major event, bringing the two sides on the same platform after what transpired early this year.