Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed the hype surrounding the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clashes, saying the fixture no longer excites him the way it once did. Speaking at an event in Kolkata after India’s emphatic win in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, Ganguly remarked that Pakistan lacks the quality to compete with India on the big stage.

On September 14, Pakistan faltered in every department. Their batting collapsed to just 127 runs, and their bowlers looked toothless as India chased the target in only 15.5 overs.

For Sourav Ganguly, who has experienced the intensity of classic India-Pakistan duels in his playing days, the one-sided nature of the contest was underwhelming. “I actually stopped watching after the first 15 overs and switched to the Manchester United vs Manchester City Premier League match,” he admitted.

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The former skipper reflected on how the India-Pakistan rivalry has lost its charm in recent years. While acknowledging the glorious past of Pakistan cricket, Ganguly stressed that the current team does not possess the quality to challenge India. “Pakistan are no match. I say that with respect—it’s just because I’ve seen what their team was. It’s the lack of quality in the side,” he explained.

He went further to say that he would rather watch India play other top cricketing nations like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, or England. Even teams such as Sri Lanka or Afghanistan, according to Ganguly, provide stiffer competition than Pakistan in recent years.

VIDEO | On India-Pakistan Asia Cup match held yesterday, Former India captain Sourav Ganguly says, “Terror must stop, all around the world, not just India and Pakistan. That’s most important but sports also cannot stop.”

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/oNAjlZx3Xz

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 15, 2025

“We keep hyping India-Pakistan games, but for the last five years, every hype has been shattered. It’s been one-way traffic,” Sourav Ganguly said.

Ganguly also touched on a broader message beyond cricket, calling for an end to global terrorism. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack that cast a shadow over the Asia Cup fixture, he said: “Terror must stop, all around the world, not just in India and Pakistan. That’s most important. But sports cannot stop either.”

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The Asia Cup encounter was marred by further controversy after India’s players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused handshakes with Pakistan in solidarity with the terror victims. The move left the Pakistan Cricket Board fuming, and they have since threatened to boycott the tournament unless match referee Andy Pycroft is removed.

As the political storm rages, Ganguly’s words underline a stark reality—the cricketing rivalry that once united millions in anticipation now risks fading into a predictable, one-sided affair.