In cricket, the India-Pakistan rivalry is seen only on rare occasions. Now, except for the Asia Cup and ICC events, there are no opportunities to face each other. The recent performances of these two arch-rivals are poles apart. Yet, can a match between them ever take place without creating intense heat?
The Asia Cup, the battle for continental supremacy, will begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates. In this tournament, starting in the UAE, South Asia’s two hostile neighbors, India and Pakistan, have been drawn into the same group. However, doubts have arisen over whether they will actually face each other in this tournament. India’s former cricketer Kedar Jadhav has even given a “guarantee” that there will be no India-Pakistan clash.
Speaking about the India-Pakistan match scheduled for September 14 in the Asia Cup, he said: “India should not play against Pakistan. Knowing India’s strength, I can say that India will win against Pakistan on any ground. But I guarantee this match will not happen.”
Kedar Jadhav’s remarks cannot be dismissed lightly. In recent times, these two nations have hardly faced each other in any sporting event. In the World Championship of Legends, organized with former cricketers, India boycotted two matches against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan decided not to travel to India to play in the Asia Cup hockey tournament.
So, there still remains some doubt as to whether India and Pakistan will ultimately face each other in the Asia Cup.
Although India does not play bilateral series against Pakistan, they have consistently faced their neighbors in ICC and ACC tournaments.
