The debate over India playing Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup is dividing opinion. The rivalry is one of cricket’s most famous.
Supporters say the match must happen. They believe it brings huge money to cricket. No other game draws such big crowds and TV audiences. They also say India is the “big brother” of Asian cricket and helps other boards earn more.
Opponents disagree. They say playing a country that was at war with India just months ago is wrong. They believe cricket should wait until relations improve.
Many fans still think India vs Pakistan is the most exciting match. But is that still true?
India and Pakistan last played a Test match 18 years ago. In the last 15 years, they have played 17 ODIs. India won 12, Pakistan won 4, and one match had no result. In T20Is, India has won 10 of 13 games.
In last year’s T20 World Cup in the USA, Pakistan lost to India. They also lost to the hosts, USA. Recently, West Indies bowled Pakistan out for 92 runs in an ODI in Tarouba. Apart from beating Bangladesh this year, their record has been poor.
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Other rivalries like India-England and India-Australia have grown bigger. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy set record viewership. The Border-Gavaskar series is now the most profitable in history.
Asia Cup media rights are worth about Rs 1,400 crore, plus Rs 290 crore from ground rights. Each board can earn over Rs 290 crore in six years. Without India, this is impossible.
The money is still huge. But the fierce, balanced rivalry on the field now feels like history.
