Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has expressed his desire to be part of the squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to commence on September 9 in the UAE. Samson’s bold statement surprised many amid growing tension surrounding the clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
The semifinal between India and Pakistan in the World Champions of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been called off after Indian players declined to take the field. Pakistan have advanced to the final without playing a ball. It is worth mentioning that the India-Pakistan group stage match was also called off.
There have been concerns about whether the political tension and player standoff could affect the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 as well, where India and Pakistan are placed in the same group.
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Hoping to Experience That Again – Sanju Samson
Indian fans have called for the cancellation of the match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson, meanwhile, expressed his desire to play in the tournament. The Asia Cup, hosted by India this year, will be held in the UAE, starting on September 9.
Samson shared his excitement about returning to the venue, recalling his previous appearances during the U-19 World Cup and the Indian Premier League. The batter said that he received fan support in the region and hoped to relive that experience during the upcoming tournament.
“Last time I played here representing India was during the U-19 World Cup, and later in the IPL. I always had great support and cheers from our people here. Really hoping to experience that again,” Sanju Samson said.
Sanju Samson on Asia Cup 2025 in UAE
“Last time I played here representing India was during the U-19 World Cup, and later in the IPL. I always had great support and cheers from our people here. Really hoping to experience that again.”
— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) July 30, 2025
Sanju Samson Was Not Part of the Asia Cup 2023 Squad
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, and Sanju Samson is expected to be included. Notably, Samson was not part of the squad in the previous edition of the tournament in 2023.
India are the defending champions, having won the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. The 50-over tournament was played in a hybrid model ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue had defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Colombo to clinch their record-extending eighth title.
Suryakumar Yadav’s side faces a major challenge to begin their white-ball-heavy season on a strong note. They will be hoping to clinch a second title in the T20 format of the Asia Cup, having previously won it in 2016.
Tensions Between India and Pakistan Cast Doubt Over Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 and India’s Operation Sindoor, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified. After India refused to face Pakistan in the WCL semifinal, a similar sentiment could emerge ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on September 14 in a group-stage clash. However, if both teams progress, they could potentially meet again in the Super Four stage and possibly in the final as well.
Growing political tension has sparked calls for India to withdraw from matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The BCCI has faced significant backlash on social media. With public pressure mounting, there are growing concerns over whether the India-Pakistan clashes will go ahead as planned.
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