IND vs PAK: The Pakistani hockey team refusing to come play the Asia Cup in India might have just started a new chapter in their rivalry.
Perhaps, the Indian team’s refusal to play against Pakistan at the WCL 2025 has done more damage to the neighbors’ fragile self-esteem, than what was shown on social media. After some of the stalwarts from here — Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan and others — refused to first play in the league stages and then the semis.. they seem to be hurt.
Pakistan Refuse to Travel to India for Hockey Asia Cup
Their ex-skipper Shahid Afridi had professed big after his team had to face this embarrassment, but now the tables have certainly turned, with the Pakistan hockey team refusing to play the Asia Cup in India, that is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, in end of August.
Afridi had made tall claims, saying, “We are here to play cricket and I’ve always said that cricket should be kept away from politics; it should move forward. A player should be a good ambassador, not a source of embarrassment for their country.” So, if that was the correct way to go then, would he advice the hockey team of his nation, the same? Nonetheless, it is not India’s loss here, but PAK’s, who miss a chance at qualification for the Hockey World Cup in 2026.
Hypocrisy at Its Very Best
And it also exposes the hypocrisy of Afridi and several others, who never shy away from taking a dig at India, for not playing. The Asia Cup 2025, of cricket, is now just a month away, which is supposed to take place in the UAE. The schedule and the venues are already final, and once again, IND & PAK are pitted in the same groups.
Both can play as many as three games together, if they reach the final. But then, if they refuse to play here, would they refuse to play there too? If not, questions will be asked of them. Yes, the only difference is — Asia Cup cricket is not in India, but then, why not take a strong stand and refuse to play there as well?
Say No to Cricket Ties Too Then?
It was generally believed that IND vs PAK, in their own countries could be avoided or missed, but the other sporting activities would go through. At least that was the case when India played Pakistan in the junior Davis Cup, and the Asian Men’s U16 Volleyball Championship in recent months. But thanks to Pakistan hockey team’s refusal, other sports will suffer too, which necessarily don’t follow the cricket diktat.
Since we are done discussing the implications for Pakistan, how could it hurt India, if at all? Well, nothing immediate for sure. But that could jeopardize, or just be a hurdle in their bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics, which the government is very keen on. Probably, the PHF knew this and then only refused.. but nonetheless, it is up to India to sort out all this.
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