Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that India’s Asia Cup cricket match against Pakistan should not be viewed as a bilateral encounter, stressing the distinction between multi-nation tournaments and direct bilateral series.
Addressing public sentiment over India facing Pakistan, Rijiju said, “As far as this cricket match is concerned, it is not a bilateral game between India and Pakistan. If India does not play in the Asia Cup, then India will be out. The Olympics and the Asia Cup are not for Pakistan; it is for the whole world. India has not played a match against Pakistan. No bilateral has been played in Pakistan. Pakistan has not been invited separately. If we do not go to the Olympics because of our enmity with a country, who will suffer the loss? So, this has to be understood.”
He emphasised the need for rational thinking over emotions, noting that India only participates in multi-nation tournaments such as the Olympics, Asian Games, World Cup, and Asia Cup, where participation is not country-specific but part of an international sporting framework.
Rijiju reiterated that India has not resumed bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan, maintaining its policy stance while continuing to compete in globally mandated events.
