As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan draws near, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has made it clear that the team’s attention is fixed only on cricket.
The debate surrounding whether India should boycott the match due to recent tensions has been gaining ground after the Pahalgam terror attack. Many voices demanded a complete severing of sporting ties with Pakistan, but Kotak emphasized that such issues are beyond the players’ domain.
He reiterated that the squad’s primary goal is to perform on the field, leaving political decisions and external concerns to the authorities. According to him, the team has been preparing with the mindset that the fixture will be played, as already confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Government Stance on India-Pakistan Matches
The Indian government has consistently maintained its policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. This stance has been followed strictly for years due to political and security concerns.
However, India continues to face Pakistan in multilateral events like ICC tournaments or continental competitions such as the Asia Cup. The upcoming match on September 14 is a direct result of this policy, as the BCCI aligned itself with the government’s directive.
While emotions have been running high among fans and sections of the public calling for a boycott, the official position remains unchanged: India will not host or tour Pakistan for bilateral series, but will participate against them when international structures mandate it.
The Sporting Spirit of the Rivalry
Kotak also reflected on the nature of India-Pakistan games, describing them as “always competitive.” He highlighted that the intensity of the rivalry stems not only from political narratives but also from the rich cricketing history shared by the two nations.
For the players, however, the focus is on preparation, discipline, and executing plans rather than external noise. The Indian camp views the September 14 clash as another opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage, while respecting the emotions attached to such encounters.
Kotak stressed that the team is maintaining a calm approach and treating it as any other match, even though the anticipation and pressure are enormous. By isolating themselves from off-field controversies, the players hope to deliver a performance that reflects both professionalism and sporting spirit.
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