Asia Cup 2025 Controversy Brews As Ajit Agarkar And Suryakumar Yadav Address India-Pakistan Match

The lead up to the Asia Cup 2025 was controversial when India announced its squad in Mumbai. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Suryakumar Yadav addressed the media, but the press conference took an ugly turn as one of the journalists asked a question on India-Pakistan clash.

BCCI Blocks Agarkar’s Response on India-Pakistan Clash

One journalist interviewed Agarkar, and his question was what was his perception over the much-hyped India-Pakistan match. He had not even answered when a BCCI representative interjected and informed that he would not be answering the question. The sudden instance caught reporters off-guard and subsequently attracted responses on social media among fans.

The two countries, India and Pakistan will face each other on September 12 in Dubai, their second clash in the group stage. They are in Group A together with Oman and United Arab Emirates and the stage is set to provide a tense match.

Asia Cup 2025 Squad Highlights with Gill Named Vice-Captain

Although the controversy made the headlines, the central announcement was India 15-member squad to play the Asia Cup beginning September 9 in the UAE. Shubman Gill has been named as the vice-captain instead of Axar Patel who was the deputy to skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

In the 2024 series at Pallekele against Sri Lanka, Gill played his last T20Is. His performances in England this year have impressed the selectors with Agarkar singing his praises. “Gill’s form in England was something we expected but he exceeded it all,” Agarkar said.

The fitness of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, also came into question but he too made the cut. The announcement brings months of speculation to an end before a hectic home season which includes the West Indies Test series in October.

Jasprit Bumrah Returns, Kuldeep Yadav Drafted In

Bumrah is the initial T20 affair since the World Cup last year. His arrival creates a major addition in terms of speed in India. Left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also been included to boost the spin attack.

As a backup player, the team has wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to balance the department. The selectors have also been keen on having young talents like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, though, did not make it and is in the standby list. “It’s unfortunate Jaiswal has had to miss out but he will have to wait,” Agarkar remarked. His omission was noted since he has been doing well during the last several months.

India Squad Ready for Asia Cup 2025 Challenge

India has been placed in Group A where it will be forced to play against Pakistan, Oman and UAE in the first round of the Asia Cup 2025. The September 12 India-Pakistan match is bound to be the headline match of the group stage with enormous international appeal.

The squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.

India will take part in the Asia Cup having senior players and young talent to build up the momentum prior to the next tournaments. With all the controversy of the press conference, the spotlight is now on the preparations to the much-hyped India-Pakistan match in Dubai.

ALSO READ: R Ashwin Slams Asia Cup 2025 Selection: Shreyas Iyer’s Snub ‘Extremely Unfair’