• Indian fans strongly criticize the BCCI for allowing the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash amid lingering geopolitical tensions.

  • Despite public backlash, the BCCI’s decision reflected the complex balance between sports diplomacy.

India fans shame BCCI for Asia Cup 2025 participation amidst geopolitical unrest with Pakistan
India fans shame BCCI for Asia Cup 2025 participation amidst geopolitical unrest with Pakistan (Image source: X)

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The announcement that the 2025 Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan placed together in Group A, has sparked a massive backlash from Indian cricket fans. The high-voltage match between the two cricketing giants is scheduled for September 14, with potential subsequent encounters in the Super 4 and final stages. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as the event host, faces severe criticism and calls for boycott, especially given the geopolitical tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which claimed 26 innocent lives.

Fans troll BCCI in outrage and national sentiment

The outrage from Indian fans stems from the fact that the announcement came just months after the Pahalgam attack, perpetrated by a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group. For many, the decision to allow India and Pakistan to face off in the tournament is highly insensitive, undermining the sacrifices of the victims and their families. Social media platforms have seen hashtags like #BoycottAsiaCup and direct condemnation of the BCCI for allegedly prioritizing financial gains over national dignity. Fans question how cricketing ties can resume so soon amid ongoing Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

Many argue that sport and politics cannot simply be separated in this context. While some international sports bodies have imposed restrictions on countries involved in conflicts (e.g., Russia has been banned or made to compete neutrally), Pakistan has not faced similar international sanctions outside India. This puts India in a tough position as withdrawal from the Asia Cup—or boycotting matches against Pakistan—in a multi-nation event hosted by BCCI is practically unfeasible.

As emotions run high, some fans feel the BCCI’s decision to proceed with the India-Pakistan fixtures is a betrayal. They see it as a “disgrace” and an insensitive move especially because the official announcement from Pakistan’s ACC president coincided with India’s Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day of national pride and remembrance for Indian soldiers.

Also READ: ACC unveils full schedule for Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan clash set for September 14

Here’s how fans reacted:

The picture of sports beyond rivalry and politics

Despite the vocal backlash, historical context and pragmatic considerations offer some perspective. India and Pakistan have participated in multi-nation tournaments even amidst deep political tensions before. For example, during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, matches were held at neutral venues. Cricket legends from India and Pakistan played together in Rest of the World XI during conflicts between the countries, illustrating sports diplomacy and the broader role of cricket in building cultural bridges.

The Asia Cup also supports the ecosystem of Asian cricket beyond India and Pakistan. Associate members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) rely on the revenue generated to promote cricket development in their countries. The BCCI, crystallized as the “big brother” of Asian cricket, must weigh commercial, sporting, and diplomatic factors in decision-making. With the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India approaching in a few months—featuring Pakistan as a participant—the reality of sporting coexistence in the region cannot be ignored.

Ultimately, the BCCI and Indian government appear to be choosing a pragmatic path: not boycotting Pakistan during multi-team tournaments but managing the situation diplomatically. The decision reflects the complexities where sport, national sentiment, geopolitics, and commercial interests collide. While an understandable fissure exists in public opinion, this instance underscores the intricate dance in cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan in a charged geopolitical climate.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI opts for neutral venue, India-Pakistan clash on the cards 

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.