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With the Asia Cup 2025 less than a month away, speculation about the fate of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash has dominated headlines and social media in the wake of political tension and public calls for a boycott. Addressing these concerns, Subhan Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the Emirates Cricket Board, has reassured fans that the iconic fixture is set to go ahead in Dubai as scheduled on September 14.
Asia Cup 2025: Political controversy and boycott calls
The backdrop to this controversy is April’s Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which saw 26 civilians killed and sparked India’s Operation Sindoor. In response, Indian cricket fans have called for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to withdraw from cricketing ties with Pakistan. The situation escalated when the India Champions team refused to play Pakistan Champions in both the group and semifinal stages of the privately organized World Championship of Legends (WCL), fueling speculation that the Asia Cup group-stage encounter could also be at risk.
UAE Cricket Board COO clears the air regarding India-Pakistan clash
Speaking to reporters, Subhan Ahmed emphasized the difference between the Asia Cup—a tournament sanctioned by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC)—and privately run events like the WCL. “While I cannot give a formal guarantee, there is no risk of Pakistan and India not playing. The Asia Cup cannot be compared to private tournaments like the World Championship of Legends, where India refused to play against Pakistan,” Ahmed said. He stressed that matches in the Asia Cup only proceed after government permissions have been secured in advance for all participating nations.
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Ahmed’s comments come amid mounting pressure on cricket administrators. The BCCI, for its part, has faced criticism for allegedly putting broadcast revenues and ratings above national sentiment, especially after choosing to go ahead with the fixture despite popular outrage over the Pahalgam attack. However, the governing body cited binding ICC and ACC agreements obliging India to participate and honour its commitment to play against all member nations.
Fans looking forward to the encounter can expect electrifying action at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, with the tournament itself running from September 9 to 28. In case both teams advance, the possibility remains for further showdowns in the Super Four stage or even the final.
Security measures have reportedly been intensified in view of lingering threats, with UAE authorities committed to providing a safe environment for players and fans alike. Cricket analysts, meanwhile, have cast doubt on Pakistan’s ability to mount a serious challenge, citing recent team inconsistencies, while Indian voices remain divided on whether sport should transcend or reflect political realities.
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