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Former India spinner Amit Mishra has delivered his views on the upcoming clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, set to be played on September 14. Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, the relations between two countries worsened. In the dastardly act by terrorists, 26 men lost their lives in front of their family members. After this incident, India launched Operation Sindoor and took stern action against terrorists residing in Pakistan. In July, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) came up with the Asia Cup 2025 schedule in which India and Pakistan were drawn in the same group. Since the release of the fixtures, there is a large section of people in India who feel that the match against Pakistan should be boycotted.
Amit Mishra, who recently spoke to ANI after his retirement, said that players and citizens are connected to each other and their emotions should be valued. "Look, when we are playing cricket for India, our countrymen are connected to us as their emotions are connected to us. Even the India legends said that they won't play. Then Pakistan reached the finals and lost the title. Every cricketer is connected to their county. They are connected to their fans. Just like everyone loves their country, we also love our country,” said MIshra. However, Mishra also remarked that whatever the government decides it will be in the nation’s interest. “Whatever decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the country,” added the 42-year-old.
Amit Mishra’s performance against Pakistan
In his international career, Amit Mishra played only two matches against Pakistan. Against the Men in Green in the Asia Cup 2014 match, played at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, he registered 2/28 figures in his 10 overs. However, his contribution went in vain as Pakistan chased down the total of 246, with one wicket in hand and two balls to spare.
After 18 days, when both teams met each other in the T20 World Cup 2014 game, played at the same venue, Mishra again outclassed Pakistan’s batting attack. In India’s convincing seven-wicket win, he chipped in with his 2/22 figures in his four-over spell and also received the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
