Should India Play Pakistan in Asia Cup? Straight Talk from Mohammed Shami Amidst Squad Debate

The upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE from September 9 to 28, has already ignited passionate debates among cricket fans and experts—most notably on the inclusion and exclusion of key Indian players like Mohammed Shami. While Shami finds himself on the sidelines, watching from home, the question of whether India should play Pakistan in the tournament continues to evoke strong opinions.

In a candid response, veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami addressed this sensitive issue head-on, emphasizing the honor and uniqueness attached to India's contests against Pakistan.

Shami’s Straightforward Stance

When asked if he felt it was right for India to clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup, Shami replied with characteristic clarity on a News24 interview:

"I stay out of controversies. The government and the board decide, and we follow," he said.

He acknowledged the historic and emotional weight of the India-Pakistan rivalry:

"Playing Pakistan is different because of the fan craze, but for players, it is all about performing on the field."

Shami underscored that despite the heightened atmosphere surrounding these matches, cricketers prioritize their professional duties over the external noise.

On Sledging and Trolling

The fierce nature of India-Pakistan matches often comes with verbal battles. However, Shami revealed he had experienced little in this regard:

"No issues of sledging with Pakistan's players. The only time I was upset was once during a Test when someone was wasting time, and I expressed my aggression. But otherwise, it's part of the game."

Off the field, social media trolling has been a challenge, particularly after matches involving Pakistan. As one of the few Muslim players in the Indian team, Shami has been targeted frequently yet remains undeterred:

"Some people target me because I am Muslim, especially after Indo-Pak games. But I don't care. I’m not a machine, and I have good and bad days. My focus is on wickets and winning, not social media."

He brushed aside trolling by avoiding engagement, a mature approach in today's digital age.

Career and Comeback Hopes

Mohammed Shami's international cricket journey spans 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, yielding over 460 wickets across all formats. Despite recent exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, Shami remains determined to return to the national side.

He continues rigorous training and hopes to impress selectors with performances in upcoming domestic tournaments. With an increasing focus on younger talent, his path back to Team India will demand consistent excellence and fitness.

Looking Ahead

India’s Asia Cup campaign begins with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm. The nation’s passionate fan base eagerly awaits the iconic India-Pakistan clashes, and Shami’s perspective offers a balanced view bridging cricket’s competitive spirit with the realities of off-field challenges.

Only time will tell if Shami reclaims his place, but for now, his message is clear—respect the game, respect the process, and focus on what truly matters on the field.