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A fresh storm has erupted in cricketing circles after former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria launched a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), accusing it of “using patriotism when it suits” in the context of the Asia Cup 2025. The remarks come days after the announcement that India and Pakistan are set to face each other in a marquee group-stage clash at Dubai International Stadium on September 14, reigniting a debate over the intersection of sports and politics in the subcontinent.
Contradictory stands: WCL boycott vs Asia Cup nod
Kaneria’s criticism stems from recent developments in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), where the Indian Champions team, comprising former stars, refused to play a scheduled fixture against Pakistan Champions in Birmingham. The withdrawal, which occurred just a week before the Asia Cup schedule was revealed, was justified by Indian players and cricketing authorities as an act of “national duty” in light of ongoing political tensions. However, the subsequent willingness to compete against Pakistan in the Asia Cup has drawn accusations of selective application of patriotic sentiment.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kaneria stated:
“Indian players boycotted WCL and called it national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport — not propaganda.”
Indian players boycotted WCL and called it national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport — not propaganda.
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) July 26, 2025
His remarks, quickly echoed and debated across online platforms, questioned whether the BCCI is leveraging patriotism to justify sporting decisions depending on geopolitical convenience.
Also READ: ACC unveils full schedule for Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan clash set for September 14
The big picture after BCCI’s nod to Asia Cup 2025
According to multiple reports, the BCCI officials have confirmed that it cannot withdraw from the Asia Cup after officially agreeing to the schedule at last week’s Asian Cricket Council (ACC) AGM. As the host nation, India’s commitment is seen as binding, with commercial, diplomatic, and broadcast considerations making withdrawal virtually impossible at this stage. The Asia Cup groupings will see India and Pakistan clubbed with the UAE and Oman, virtually guaranteeing high-stakes contests and record-breaking global television viewership.
Kaneria insists the BCCI should have shown greater consistency and transparency in its policies.
“There shouldn’t be double standards – sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you’re talking about patriotism, then you have to stand by it consistently,” he said. “Either say clearly that sports and politics are separate, or maintain a firm stand across the board.”
As the countdown to September 14 begins, the controversy triggered by Kaneria’s remarks has ensured that the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry will be contested as fiercely off the field as on it.
Also READ: India fans shame BCCI for Asia Cup 2025 participation amidst geopolitical unrest with Pakistan
