The Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) came under heavy criticism after the release of the official program for the Asia Cup 2025. According to the schedule, India is set to take Pakistan in the upcoming tournament in September, which has promoted backlash on social media.
In April this year, 26 citizens died in a deadly terrorist strike in Pahgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which worsened diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The attack led to a military growth. In vengeance, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases across the border.
Asia Cup 2025: BCCI delays confirmation of Asia Cup after Pahalgam attack
The demand for India to separate all cricketing relations with Pakistan is increasing, which is after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Despite these calls for boycott, India faces Pakistan three months after the attack.
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Critics have questioned both the silence of the BCCI and the government on the matter. Many people have urged the Ministry of Sports to step into step, but the BCCI lacks jurisdiction due to the currently pending National Sports Government Bill.
Earlier, BCCI delayed confirming its participation in the tournament, putting the Asia Cup at risk of canceling as they were waiting for government approval. The speculation ended when ACC President and PCB President Mohsin Naqvi officially announced the tournament schedule last week.
A Sports Ministry source told PTI, “So far, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the Ministry of Sports as the National Sports Government Bill is still to be passed. Therefore, the ministry is not to say, but we will not wait and see how the BCCI responds to the public sentiment,” a Sports Ministry source told PTI.
Asia Cup 2025: Fusing Pakistan Clash will be counted as a loss for India – report
If India decides not to play its scheduled match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, according to a report by NDTV, it will be considered as a strong under the tournament rules. Pakistan will be awarded a full number, which can affect group standing and give them an upper hand.
The report said that a fierce fierce will not only hurt India’s campaign, which will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, but also reduced the competitive balance of the event. The match is expected to proceed as per the plan.
“This is not a bilateral competition, but is a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forcibly plays, it will give a big advantage to Pakistan. It will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable,” sources told the channel.
Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan to resume bilateral cricket relations since 2008
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket series since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The two countries continue to meet on the international stage through global tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, where their matches produce significant spectators.
The Government of India maintains its position against bilateral sports relations with Pakistan. Former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has said that while terrorism should be condemned, sports competitions should not be completely stopped between nations.
Earlier this month, Yuvraj Singh’s India Champions team refused to play against Pakistan at Legends of Legends in Birmingham. The match was canceled, and the organizers later issued an apology to the Indian squad, which for any unexpected inconvenience due to their decision.
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