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Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra has shared his perspective on the heated debate surrounding India's upcoming Asia Cup match against Pakistan. The controversy stems from the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists. Mishra emphasized that any decision regarding the match will prioritize national interest, echoing sentiments from India Champions who previously boycotted matches against Pakistan. The Asia Cup group stage will see India face Pakistan on September 14 in Abu Dhabi.

Key Points: Amit Mishra Weighs In on India Pakistan Asia Cup Boycott Calls

  • Mishra responds to boycott calls after Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 tourists
  • India Champions refused to play Pakistan twice in World Championship of Legends
  • Operation Sindoor was India's military response to cross-border terrorism
  • Asia Cup Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman in Abu Dhabi
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Amit Mishra weighs in on India's much-debated Asia Cup clash against Pakistan

Veteran spinner Amit Mishra addresses India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash amid boycott calls following Pahalgam terror attack. Mishra says decision will serve national interest.

"Whatever decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the country - Amit Mishra"

New Delhi, September 4

Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra gave his take on the highly debated clash between India and Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held on September 14.

The outrage over India facing Pakistan in the tournament results from the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, during which 26 tourists were killed on April 22 by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the attack and dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. Following India's response, the already-strained relationship between the two neighbouring nations further deteriorated.

In the wake of the terror attack, India Champions refused to play against the Pakistan Champions twice in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). After the first contest was called off, the India Champions were destined to take on the Pakistan Champions in the semi-finals.

However, the team refused to participate in the contest and withdrew from the fixture. As a result, Pakistan qualified for the final but surrendered the title against South Africa. While former cricketer Manoj Tiwary have openly voiced that India should boycott the match, Mishra believes whatever decision is taken around the fixture will be interest of the country.

"Look, when we are playing cricket for India, our countrymen are connected to us as their emotions are connected to us. Even the India legends said that they won't play. Then Pakistan reached the finals and lost the title. Every cricketer is connected to their county. They are connected to their fans. Just like everyone loves their country, we also love our country, and whatever decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the country," Mishra said while speaking to ANI.

India also refused to cross the border and compete for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. As a result, India played all of its fixtures on a neutral venue in Dubai and went on to lift the title with a commanding victory over New Zealand in the final.

In the upcoming Asia Cup, India is placed in Group A alongside the UAE, Pakistan and Oman. India will begin its campaign on September 10 against the UAE. On September 14, India will square off against its arch-rival Pakistan and finish the group stage campaign against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

India's squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking that politics has to interfere with sports. Cricket used to be a way to build bridges, but after what happened in Pahalgam, how can we just play as if nothing happened? 😔
A
Aryan P
Mishra is right - whatever decision is taken will be in national interest. But honestly, I miss the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. Those matches were something else entirely!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for 5 years, I understand both sides. Sports should unite, but when there's state-sponsored terrorism, it's not just a game anymore. Tough situation.
V
Vikram M
Respect to India Champions for taking a stand. Sometimes you need to send a strong message. Cricket can wait, national dignity cannot be compromised.
K
Karthik V
While I understand the sentiment, I hope we don't boycott. Our team is strong and we should show our superiority on the field. Beating Pakistan would be the best response!
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective from Mishra. In other countries, athletes usually don't get involved in political decisions about who to play against. Different cultural context here.

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