(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ravichandran Ashwin Sparks Debate with Bold Asia Cup Claim
Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a strong statement ahead of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, suggesting that India’s dominance has made the tournament too one-sided.
The recently retired off-spinner believes India’s strength is so overwhelming that organizers may need to invite teams from outside the continent—such as South Africa—to restore balance.
Ashwin’s Remark
Speaking online, Ashwin said:
“They can almost include South Africa and make it an Afro-Asia Cup to make the Asia Cup competitive. How are these teams even going to compete against India?”
His comments underline the growing perception that the gap between India and other Asian teams is widening.
India’s Hot Start
India backed up Ashwin’s words with a stunning performance in their opening match against the UAE, chasing a target of just 58 runs in 4.3 overs.
The defending World Champions entered the Asia Cup as favorites and the most successful team in the tournament’s history with eight titles.
A Nod to the Afro-Asia Cup
Ashwin’s remarks revived memories of the Afro-Asia Cup, a short-lived charity series jointly organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the African Cricket Association (ACA) in 2005 (Bengaluru) and 2007 (Chennai).
Unlike those editions, Ashwin’s suggestion was not about charity—it was about finding stronger opposition for India.
Mixed Reactions Across Asia
While many Indian fans applauded Ashwin’s confidence, his words drew criticism elsewhere, particularly in Pakistan. For fans there, his remarks sounded overconfident, though they also reflected India’s self-perception as the powerhouse of Asian cricket.
The upcoming India vs. Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai is expected to be the highlight of the tournament. Ashwin’s comments have only added fuel to an already fiery rivalry, with fans eagerly waiting to see if Pakistan can challenge India’s dominance.
