“No questions on Pakistan” - BCCI media manager stops reporter as he questioned Ajit Agarkar

The Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 was announced by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar in the presence of India T20I captain Suryakumar in Mumbai on August 19, 2025. Shubman Gill was the surprise inclusion and was named the vice-captain of the side.

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However, the undercurrent remained as reporters wanted to know whether India would play Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The two sides were scheduled to clash on September 14 in Dubai.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, this would be the first time the cricket teams from the two countries had faced one another.

Given the possibility of a rematch in the Super 4 stages on September 21 and the final following the group stages, India and Pakistan might face off up to three times during the tournament.

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Several former Indian cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh and Kedar Jadhav, have spoken openly that India shouldn’t play Pakistan even in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments. Harbhajan Singh was part of the India Champions side that recently boycotted playing against Pakistan twice in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 in England.

Ajit Agarkar was stopped from answering a question on Pakistan by the BCCI media manager.

Things got interesting during the press conference held to announce the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 featuring India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

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The India vs. Pakistan clash has observed opposition from a number of regions of the nation in light of the ongoing tensions across the border between the two countries.

Following the terrorist incident that murdered tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, sources had previously told India Today in May that India will neither host nor take part in the Asia Cup. The BCCI's position has since altered, though, and the competition will now take place at a neutral location.

During the press conference, Ajit Agarkar was stopped from answering a question from a reporter about the Pakistan match. At India's Asia Cup 2025 team announcement press conference, Agarkar was fielding questions from the media when the Indian Cricket Board representative at the event cut him off before he could answer.

The moment drew attention, given the political sensitivities surrounding India’s upcoming fixture against Pakistan.

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