WCL: Legends Snub Pakistan, Why Ind V Pak At Asia Cup? First Sports With Rupha Ramani
India V Pakistan is cricket's biggest rivalry, but should it even happen anymore? After the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, public sentiment in India is crystal clear: no ties, no matches, no sports diplomacy with Pakistan. Yet, despite the outrage, the Asia Cup 2024 still features the high-voltage clash. So, why is the BCCI moving forward? Is it about money, contracts, or just being stuck in a system? Players from the World Championship of Legends set a bold example by refusing to face Pakistan in the semifinal. Rupha Ramani explores how other nations like Russia V Ukraine, Iran V Israel, and North V South Korea have taken firm geopolitical stands in sports. But when the stakes are about terrorism, is a cricket match ever just a game?
Also on the show, Pakistan is likely to miss the spot for the 2028 LA Olympics. ICC is reportedly considering a regional qualification system. With India being a higher-ranked nation, chances for Pakistan's qualification are low. The list also includes some of the other top-ranked nations. Has ICC failed to crack the global market? And China's pork obsession is threatening badminton's rise in Europe. France, which started loving the sport after the Paris Olympics, is the most affected party. What is the reason behind it?
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