India’s upcoming Asia Cup clash with Pakistan has mix political debate and BJP MP Anurag Thakur recently stepped up to clarify India’s stance. He suggested that India’s participation in matches against Pakistan under multinational tournaments like those organised by the ACC or ICC isn’t a self shift in policy, but simply compliance with the rules. If a nation reject to play, Thakur noted, it risks elimination or forfeiture of points. 

Still, Thakur was unequivocal about India’s steadfast refusal to interact in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. He reaffirmed the long-standing policy: until allegations of terrorism and associated concerns are addressed, India won’t resume bilateral matches.

The backdrop of this clarification is a heated debate involving opposition parties. Some are demanding the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match be cancelled, citing recent terror attacks such as the one in Pahalgam. According to them, playing cricket while such events remain unresolved sends a contradictory message. 

In response, the Supreme Court declined to list an urgent plea to pause the match. Meanwhile, political voices from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress in Maharashtra, and others have criticised what they call double standards allowing this match, while maintaining a refusal for bilateral series.

Thakur’s message tries to thread the needle: yes, India will play against Pakistan in multinational tournaments out of necessity; no, it does not alter its diplomatic or security-driven policy regarding bilateral games.