“Stop using patriotism when it suits you”: Danish Canelia beats BCCI over approval of the Asian Cup
A fresh storm erupted in cricket circles after former Pakistani spinner Danish Canelia launched a scathing attack Indian Cricket Committee (BCCI)blame it “Use when patriotism is suitable” In the context of the Asian Cup 2025, the remarks reignite debate over the intersection of sports and politics in the subcontinent days after the announcement that India and Pakistan are facing each other in the marquee group stage clash at Dubai International Stadium on September 14th.
Conflict Stand: WCL Boycott vs Asia Cup Nod
Canelia’s criticism comes from the recent developments (WCL) of the World Championship legend, an Indian champions team made up of former stars. refused to do the planned fixture against Pakistani champions in Birmingham. The withdrawal that occurred a week before the Asian Cup schedule was revealed was justified by Indian players and cricket authorities. “National obligation” In light of ongoing political tensions. However, the subsequent willingness to compete with Pakistan in the Asian Cup has garnered accusations of the selective application of patriotic sentiment.
On X (formerly Twitter), Kaneria said:
“The Indian players boycotted the WCL and called it national duty. But is it okay now the Asian Cup vs Pakistan? If Pakistan’s cricket is okay, then the WCL should have been like that.
Indian players boycotted the WCL and called it a national duty. But is the Asian Cup vs Pakistan okay now? If cricket with Pakistan was okay, then so would have been the case for WCL. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Make sports a sport, not propaganda.
– Canelia from Denmark (@danishkaneria61) July 26, 2025
His remarks were quickly reflected and discussed on online platforms, questioning whether the BCCI was using patriotism to justify sporting decisions in response to geopolitical convenience.
Read again: ACC announces full schedule for the Asian Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan Clash Set on September 14th
Big picture after BCCI nods to the Asian Cup 2025
According to multiple reports, BCCI officials confirmed they could not withdraw from the Asian Cup after officially agreeing to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) AGM schedule last week. As a host country, India’s commitment is binding and commercial, diplomatic and broadcast considerations make it virtually impossible to withdraw at this stage. In the Asian Cup group, India and Pakistan will be clubbed with the United Arab Emirates and Oman, effectively guaranteeing high-stakes contests and record-breaking global television audiences.
Kaneria argues that BCCI should show great consistency and transparency in its policies.
“There’s no double standard. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you’re talking about patriotism, you have to consistently support it.” He said. “It means sports and politics are separate or they are fully robust.”
As the countdown to September 14 begins, the controversy sparked by Canelia’s remarks ensured that India-Pakistan cricket rivalries would be so fiercely contested from the field.
Read again: Indian fans embarrassing 2025 participation in Asia Cup 2025 amid geopolitical unrest with Pakistan