India, Sept. 8 -- With the government clarifying its stand on playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the focus is now on cricket instead of the political subtext.

Strictly from a cricket standpoint, it is great the Asia Cup is on. And this has little to do with Pakistan. The Asia Cup belongs to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of which India is a founding member, and this time India is the host of the event. So, would it be okay if India was to walk out and abandon others?

India has a responsibility to help cricket grow in the region and ensure the Asia Cup is a financial success. The ACC consists of about 30 members (including China, Japan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan) who depend on funds from the event. This Asia Cup is likely to raise $25-30mn an...