Category: 6. Sports

New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Ahead of the Asia Cup, former Indian cricketer Surinder Khanna gave his take on whether the India-Pakistan clash must be played or not, saying that while matches should take place especially during multi-national/ICC tournaments where there is a trophy at stake, the blooodshed on the border should also stop, remarking “enough is enough”.

India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

The question of whether the popular cricketing fixture should take place has been a massive point of debate leading up to the tournament, especially after Indian legends did not play their matches against Pakistan in the World Championships of Legends (WCL) recently due to tensions between both nations. While there have been voices backing the match to go ahead, as it’s a multi-national tournament with a title at stake, there has been a massive section just as vocal in calling for a boycott of the match.

The reason is Operation Sindoor, which was launched in May by the Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan-backed terror groups following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Speaking to ANI about the India-Pakistan match, Surinder said, “As far as playing the match is concerned, this is for the government to decide. I am too small of a person to speak on that. As a player, yes, sports should be there. But at the same time, I feel that the bloodshed on the border should also stop. Enough is enough,” he said.

Surinder said that while it is understandable to play Pakistan during a multi-nation tournament/ICC event as there is a trophy at stake, his feelings are in line with those of the nation.

“My feelings are with the people of the nation. The killing of innocent people at the border on both sides should stop,” he added.

Team India last toured Pakistan for cricketing purposes back in 2008, and the last bilateral series between these two arch-rivals was way back in 2013. Since then, both nations have played at ICC/Asia Cup events.

On Friday, in his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor and saluted the role of the armed forces who targeted terror sites in Pakistan. The operation, he said, was an expression of India’s outrage at the Pahalgam terrorists’ attack in which “husbands were killed in front of their wives and fathers were killed in front of their children after being asked their religion”.

“I am very proud that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I am getting the opportunity to salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond its imagination,” PM Modi said.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Team India will next be seen in action in the Asia Cup 2025 which begins on September 9. For the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024, the world will witness an India vs Pakistan match on September 14 (Sunday) in the Group Stage. However, this match has been shrouded in controversy, with the majority of Indians, including ex-players, stating that BCCI should boycott the match in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent retaliation in Operation Sindoor. This controversy spilled into India’s squad announcement for the tournament, which featured chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

During the press conference, a reporter asked Suryakumar Yadav and Ajit Agarkar about their preparation for the India vs Pakistan match, given the situation in the last two months. The BCCI media manager immediately cut off the question, saying that questions should only be asked regarding the selection.

“Looking at this Asia Cup, there is a big game on the 14th, India versus Pakistan. With everything that has happened between the two countries over the last two months, how will you approach that game?” the reporter asked.

“Only questions regarding team selection, please,” the BCCI media manager replied.

Why India Can Face Pakistan Thrice In Asia Cup 2025

India are set to face Pakistan in the Group Stage of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14. If they both qualify for the Super Four stage of the tournament, then they are slated to face each other on September 21. If both India and Pakistan finish in the top four of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, they will qualify for the final, which is to be held on September 28.

Hence, there is a chance that we can witness three India vs Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup 2025.

India Squad For Asia Cup 2025

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Standbys: Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has withdrawn from the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Netherlands, scheduled ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 next month. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials confirmed on Tuesday that Hasan made the decision to miss the series to support his ailing wife.

“Mehidy has taken leave from August 20 to September 4 to support his wife during her illness,” a BCB official said. “As a result, he will not join the skill camp in Sylhet ahead of the series against the Netherlands.”

The 28-year-old had participated in Bangladesh’s fitness camp in Dhaka in preparation for both the Netherlands series and the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9. 

Mehidy last played in Bangladesh’s home T20I series against Pakistan.

On Tuesday evening, the Bangladesh squad moved to Sylhet for their preparation camp. The Netherlands team is set to arrive on August 26 and will have three days of training before the series begins.

The three-match T20I series will be played entirely at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, starting on August 30, with the second and third matches scheduled for September 1 and 3.

The Asia Cup 2025 will commence on September 9, with a curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. The Bengal Tigers will face Hong Kong in their opening match of the tournament.

Bangladesh’s complete schedule of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025

• 11 September: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• 13 September: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• 16 September: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan

Super Four Stage:

• September 20: B1 vs B2
• September 21: A1 vs A2
• September 23: A2 vs B1
• September 24: A1 vs B2
• September 25: A2 vs B2
• September 26: A1 vs B1

September 28: Final

Bangladesh Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and Netherlands Series:

Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Saif Hassan.

REYKJAVIK (Iceland) – Iceland have officially confirmed their 12-man roster for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2025, headlined by the team’s leader, Martin Hermansson.

Head coach Craig Pedersen finalized the squad ahead of their last preparation game, scheduled on August 22 against Lithuania.

Thus far, the Icelanders have played four warm-up matches ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

Having beaten Sweden but being defeated by Italy, Poland, and Portugal before the Group Phase, they are currently standing with a record of 1-3.

This will be Iceland’s third FIBA EuroBasket appearance, following back-to-back participations in 2015 and 2017.

Returning to Europe’s most-awaited national team competition, they are yet to record their first-ever victory in the tournament. The whole nation dreams of marking a historic win at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

Qualifying in February, they have proved to have the talent to compete, beating Hungary and Türkiye at home while also celebrating on the road against Italy.

Iceland will play the Group Phase in Katowice, alongside Poland, France, Israel, Belgium, and Slovenia in Group D.

They will begin their campaign against Israel on August 28 at 14:00 CET.

FIBA

Jardi van der Lee

Archie Ryan

Esteban Chaves

Markel Beloki

James Shaw

Lukas Nerurkar

Sean Quinn

Madis Mihkels

Swiatek Wins First Cincinnati Open

Building off her first-career Wimbledon title last month, Iga Swiatek captured another career first, defeating Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to win the Cincinnati Open for the first time. The 24-year-old had a dominant run in Ohio, as she did not drop a set throughout the tournament. 

It’s the 11th 1000-level title of the Pole’s career, who has come alive after struggling to begin the 2025 season. Swiatek fell to No. 8 in the ranking in May but is back up to No. 2 after reaching the final in three of her past four events. 

Paolini will rise to No. 8 in the WTA rankings after reaching her second WTA 1000 final this season, having won her home tournament in Rome in May.

Both women will head to Flushing Meadows with a short turnaround before the US Open begins. The singles draw will be revealed on Aug. 21. 

Read also: Victoria Mboko’s Historic Montreal Title Run By the Numbers

Alcaraz wins Cincinnati after Sinner retires

Unfortunately, the fourth matchup of the season between the two best men’s players on the planet could not live up to the hype. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness after just 22 minutes, handing the Cincinnati Open title to Carlos Alcaraz. 

The victory gave the Spaniard his third ATP 1000 title of the season, following wins at Monte Carlo and Rome. Alcaraz is now 3-1 against Sinner this season and 9-5 all-time. The world No. 2 will now head to the US Open looking to improve on his second-round exit from 2024.

Sinner hopes to recover and head to New York to defend his US Open title and win his third Grand Slam of the season.

Read more: Auger-Aliassime and Diallo to lead Canada at Davis Cup

Dabrowski, Routliffe claim second 2025 title

Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe defeated Hanyu Guo and Alexandra Panova 6-4, 6-3 to win the Cincinnati Open on Sunday. It’s the second title of 2025 for the pair and the first WTA 1000 title as a team. 

“I feel very fortunate to have been able to compete this week,” Dabrowski said during the trophy presentation. “Erin, thanks for sticking by my side. I know it’s not been an easy ride, but this trophy means a lot to share it with you. And thank you for being so supportive as a partner and as a friend.”

Dabrowski did not play with Routliffe during her run to the Cincinnati title last year, as the Ottawa native was undergoing breast cancer treatment. 

The pair have now won six titles together, including the US Open title in 2023 and the WTA Finals last year. 

Read also: Mboko caps Montreal tournament for the ages with NBO title

All winners from last week:

ATP 1000- Cincinnati 

• Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz (6/22)*  d. Jannik Sinner
• Men’s Doubles: Rajeev Ram/Nikola Mektic d. Lorenzo Musetti/Lorenzo Sonego

WTA 1000 – Cincinnati

• Women’s Singles: Iga Swiatek (2/29)* d. Jasmine Paolini
• Women’s Doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe d. Guo Hanyo/Alexandra Panova

* 2025 Titles/Career Titles

Feature Photo : @CincyTennis