Suresh Raina Reveals Behind-the-Scenes of Pak Clash: Players Reluctant, BCCI Forced Participation

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, in an interview with Sports Tak, said that, as far as he knew, none of the players were interested in participating in the Asia Cup.

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) having pledged to play the tournament, the players supposedly had no choice but to adhere.

"I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none of them wants to play the Asia Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad that India are playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have said no. None of them wanted to play," Raina said.

The background of the Pahalgam terror attack, followed by the Operation Sindoor, had also tested India-Pakistan relations, and question marks were raised as to whether the Asia Cup was possible during the increased political tension. Nevertheless, the BCCI, along with the other cricket boards involved in the tournament, chose to go ahead.

Despite the BCCI confirming India's visit to play against Pakistan, there were demands to boycott the game. Social media was filled with discontent, but the Indian team decided to above the bashing and play the fixture as scheduled.

India eventually beat Pakistan by 7 wickets, while also making a strong statement in support of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.