The strongest 3 arguments for India playing Pakistan in Asia Cup
1. Did we not participate in the SCO in spite of Pakistan's presence?
2. Did Neeraj Chopra not compete against Arshad Nadeem in Tokyo?
3. Have we not already avenged Pahalgam with Op Sindoor?
Well,
1. We did not have a bilateral in Tianjin. Pakistan's presence didn't matter. Pakistan exists so it will be present in places where we too are. Like your neighbour goes to the same grocery store but you don't say hi to him because he is an asshole.
2. Neeraj did not play against Nadeem. That sport doesn't pit one against the other like cricket or hockey does. No interaction needed. It's like you and that rubbish fella standing in the same queue at the airport, doesn't mean you help with his luggage. He is a rubbish fella. Let the bugger stumble and fall for all you care.
3. The boycott isn't meant to avenge Pahalgam. The defence forces did that by bombing the terror camps and later pummelled enough airbases to keep their men at work for months.
The no cricket policy, if ever, will be a signal that we are serious about keeping no relations with a state that sides with terrorists. No relations means no cultural or sports exchanges. Zero.
That we will give them a walkover is the weakest argument. They can walk away with a cup for all we care.
No means no touch points.
We can't choose our neighbours but we can choose to have absolutely no business with the neighbour who keeps throwing firebombs into our compound. The only business acceptable is a firebomb from this side.
Letting the kids play gully cricket while the neighbour sharpens his sword is called not learning a lesson ever.
Screw sporting etiquettes. Screw ICC. Screw BCCI. Screw the sports ministry's myriad majbooriyan. And curse the Asia Cup.
@thehawkeyex Left a near seven-figure job. Returned home to play bureaucratic kabaddi with Indian babus for a FinTech license. It’s madness, but I wouldn’t trade it. Still love India. Hell, I’d pick the same slums again. That’s how deep the roots go.