BCCI Faces Backlash Over India-Pakistan Match in Asia Cup 2025 Amid Tensions
BCCI faces public backlash for agreeing to play against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Asia Cup 2025 will take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed. The tournament, to be played in the T20 format as a preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup, will feature eight teams for the first time: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.
India vs Pakistan Set for September 14
A highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash has been scheduled for September 14 during the group stage, with both teams placed in Group A alongside UAE and Oman. Given the tournament structure — group stage, Super 4, and final — there’s a real possibility of up to three India-Pakistan encounters.
Backlash Against BCCI Amid Political Tensions
The decision to play Pakistan has sparked intense backlash on Indian social media platforms, with many fans accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of prioritizing cricket over national sentiment.
The criticism follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Despite this, the ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on July 27 that India and Pakistan would meet as scheduled, reigniting public outcry. Many online users slammed the BCCI for “ignoring national sentiment”, arguing that the board should have withdrawn or pushed for a change in the draw.
Government Clearance and Neutral Venue
Reports suggest the BCCI was awaiting central government clearance before confirming India’s participation. Though India is officially listed as the tournament host, the event was moved to the UAE as part of a BCCI-PCB agreement ensuring neutral venues for three years, following military skirmishes between the two nations earlier this year.
