Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in on the much-discussed placement of India and Pakistan in the same group for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

Amid ongoing political tensions and past security incidents, Ganguly offered a balanced perspective that emphasized both the importance of national security and the unifying spirit of sports.

Sport must go on, says Ganguly

Speaking about the sensitive backdrop of India-Pakistan cricket encounters, Ganguly stated, “I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time, Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped.”

#WATCH | Kolkata: On India-Pakistan placed in the same group in the Asia Cup, former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly says, “I am okay. The sport must go on. At the same time Pahalgam should not happen, but the sport must go on. Terrorism must not happen; it needs to be stopped.… pic.twitter.com/Qrs17KOKrN

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025

The Asia Cup, where India and Pakistan will face off in the group stage, is scheduled to be held in 2025, and the anticipation for the match has already begun to rise. Whether the teams will play in a high-voltage atmosphere or in the shadow of political tensions remains to be seen, but voices like Ganguly’s underline the belief that “the show must go on.”

By supporting continued sporting ties, Ganguly joins a long list of former players and administrators who believe that sports can co-exist with firm political stands. He emphasized that while terrorism must be tackled decisively, sports should be allowed to serve their role in fostering goodwill.

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket and draws massive global attention. Despite political strains, their meetings in ICC tournaments and continental events like the Asia Cup continue to generate enthusiasm and emotional fervor among fans.