Kaneria slams BCCI over Indo-Pak match: Where’s the consistency in patriotism?
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New Delhi: Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has raised concerns over what he described as “double standards” following the announcement of an India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup. Kaneria suggested that the high-profile fixture likely went ahead after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) received a nod from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The ACC on Saturday unveiled the complete fixture list for the tournament, with the marquee India-Pakistan group stage match scheduled for September 14. The announcement comes on the heels of a sensitive development involving the India Champions team, which had recently withdrawn from a scheduled match against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends.
“Cricket should happen (between the two countries)... People are talking about it because a recent incident occurred where there was supposed to be an India-Pakistan match at the World Championship of Legends, but ex-India cricketers boycotted the match. That move hinted that perhaps India would also skip playing Pakistan in future events like the Asia Cup or even ICC tournaments. The boycott made headlines, and many statements followed, creating an impression that India might not participate in matches against Pakistan,” Kaneria told IANS.
He added that the scheduling of the September 14 clash must have followed an online meeting involving ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with BCCI representatives. “The ACC must have received a green signal from the BCCI, which is why the India-Pakistan match was scheduled,” he said.
Kaneria also expressed that the BCCI should have taken more time to reflect before confirming such a high-stakes game, given the political sensitivities and recent developments.
“I believe the BCCI should have given it more thought and taken time before making a decision. There shouldn't be double standards—sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you're talking about patriotism, then you have to stand by it consistently. From now until the day of that match, you’ll see the hype and chaos build up. And then people will start questioning the earlier stand taken by the cricketers.
“Either say clearly that sports and politics are separate, or maintain a firm stand across the board. No double standards. If it's no, then let it be no. If it's yes, then say yes and stand by it,” he asserted.
Kaneria further pointed out the commercial implications of India’s absence from any major cricketing event. He said India’s participation is critical to sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and global viewership, owing to its dominant economic position in world cricket.
“At the end of the day, what difference does it make to the BCCI? They generate nearly 99 per cent of the cricketing revenue. The top cricketing nations—Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand—they all want to play India because their players are part of the IPL, which is the biggest and most lucrative league in the world.
“Let’s face it: if India doesn't participate, TV rights don’t sell, advertisements drop, and the viewership takes a hit. Just one India-Pakistan game draws astronomical viewership...” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Kaneria called for a more transparent and consistent approach from Indian cricket authorities. “When you're in a position of power, you need to be able to distinguish and define—either cricket is separate, or it isn’t. If patriotism matters, it must be consistent. Not for a day, not for a week, but always. You can't change your stance every few weeks. Once a decision is made, stand by it. That’s what I didn’t understand—why was the decision taken so quickly?” he said.
