Boycott to Box Office: 100 Cinemas in India to Screen India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final
Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan to be screened live in 100 cinemas across India as fan craze replaces boycott calls.
When the Asia Cup 2025 began earlier this month, much of the talk in India was about boycott calls. The anger after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor had spilled onto cricket, with many unhappy that the BCCI agreed to play Pakistan.
Two weeks later, the atmosphere is very different. The final between India and Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai has gripped the nation. Instead of protests, fans are hunting for tickets and venues to watch the big game together.
To meet the craze, the Asia Cup final will be screened live in 100 cinemas across India. PVR INOX, the country’s largest cinema chain, is partnering with the Asian Cricket Council and ITW Universe to bring the stadium feel inside theatres.
“The Asia Cup 2025 screenings have shown us how deeply cricket connects our audiences. The electrifying atmosphere during the India-Pakistan clash on 14 September was remarkable, with cinemas in some cities reaching 80–90% occupancy,” said Aamer Bijli of PVR INOX.
He added that the company’s partnership ensures a live, ad-free experience in more than 100 cinemas.
The government had earlier cleared India’s participation in the tournament, making it clear that multination events would go ahead, though bilateral cricket with Pakistan would remain off-limits.
The tournament has already seen high drama. India’s players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team after one of the matches.
The PCB lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, and their operations director Usman Wahla was later suspended over the incident.
