• Many Indian fans have come forward and openly called to boycott the India-Pakistan clash slated for October 14 in Ahmedabad.

  • India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns with each other in the 12th match of the ODI World Cup 2023.

ODI World Cup 2023: Why are fans calling for the boycott of IND vs PAK match? Details inside
Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam (Image Source: Twitter)

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The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary. The two nations have been arch-rivals on the cricket field for so long, and whenever they meet, it’s not just a game but a high-stakes battle. The thrill and tension surrounding an India-Pakistan encounter are like no other, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket.

As the two teams now gear up to face off against each other at the ODI World Cup 2023, the environment is once again heated up with mixed emotions among fans. While many expressed excitement, many also called for a boycott of the match.

The diplomatic standoff

It’s essential to acknowledge that India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013, and their encounters are now limited to ICC events. But the wait of the cricket enthusiasts is now over as the return of the ODI World Cup to India after 13 years promises a riveting match between these cricketing giants on Indian soil after a long gap of 13 years.

The most recent clash of the neighbouring countries was at the Asia Cup 2023, where the two sides met twice, with India winning one match and the other ending in a frustrating washout due to rain.

BCCI extends a warm welcome to Pakistan cricketers

The Indian cricket management extended a warm welcome to the Pakistan cricket team upon their arrival, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. However, this gracious reception hasn’t been universally accepted by some Indian citizens, who are calling for a boycott of the event.

Also READ: Waqar Younis has his say on comparison between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar

The reason behind boycott calls

The demand for a boycott of India-Pakistan matches is not a new phenomenon in India. It has been a recurring concern for Indian citizens, fueled by the tragic loss of Indian soldiers in cross-border violations along the Indo-Pak borders.

The latest wave of calls for a boycott saw fans alleging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is ignoring Pakistan’s involvement in terror-funded activities in the Kashmir Valley. Notably, a recent terror attack in Anantnag claimed the lives of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat and fuelled fury across India.

Also READ: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh gives candid opinion on the India vs Pakistan showdown

Controversial pre-match music ceremony decision of BCCI

Adding to the controversy, the BCCI’s decision to organize a pre-match musical show featuring renowned artists like Sukhwinder Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, and Arijit Singh has only intensified the anger of fans.

Here are some of the reactions of fans:

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About the Author:
VISHWANATH HARIHARAN
Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.