Ashwin Denies Viral Quote Criticizing BCCI Over India-Pakistan Match

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin addressed a fabricated statement circulating on social media Monday. The statement, falsely attributed to him, concerned the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

Soon after the tournament schedule was revealed, a contentious quote supposedly from Ashwin began spreading online. It purportedly showed him criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for proceeding with the India-Pakistan match.

The viral declaration implied a significant connection between financial benefits and decisions about cricket, especially those involving prominent matches.

The fabricated quote stated: “Limited funds are involved, leading to the cancellation of the World Championship of Legends. However, India is still set to compete against Pakistan in the Asia Cup as the BCCI has not cancelled it, implying financial considerations outweigh patriotism.”

Ashwin, 38, quickly used X (formerly Twitter) to make his position clear and distance himself from the false statement.

“Don’t associate me with this fake news. Shame on those who trigger all this,” he posted, while resharing the fabricated statement.

The BCCI and the Indian team have received criticism from fans and former cricketers since the tournament schedule was publicized.

The possibility of the Asia Cup being canceled had been discussed in Indian media due to the current political issues between India and Pakistan.

However, the competition is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. India and Pakistan, as major rivals, have been placed in the same group and are slated to play each other on September 14.

Earlier in the year, India Champions, captained by Yuvraj Singh, refused to participate in their World Championship of Legends match against Pakistan Champions as a protest against growing cross-border tensions.

Numerous former cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, also showed their support by boycotting the match.

Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly spoke on Sunday regarding the Asia Cup schedule. He stated that he had no issues with India and Pakistan being placed in the same group.

Ganguly stated: “I am comfortable with the schedule. Sports should not be stopped. The Pahalgam incident was unfortunate and must not occur again, but this should not stop the game. Terrorism must be eliminated. India has adopted a strong stance against it. It is in the past and sports must continue.”

Complete schedule of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025

Super Four Stage:

September 28: Final