The highly anticipated cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is set to return this September, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirming the full schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup. The two arch-rivals will face off in a Group A clash on September 14, and depending on the tournament’s progress, they could meet up to three times, including in the final.
However, the announcement has triggered intense backlash on social media, as public sentiment remains raw following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. That tragedy was followed by Operation Sindoor, a major Indian military response targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had withheld confirmation of India’s participation in the Asia Cup, awaiting the government’s stance. That suspense ended last week when ACC chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the tournament’s full fixture list.
A senior official from the Union Sports Ministry told PTI that while the ministry currently lacks direct authority over BCCI due to the pending National Sports Governance Bill, it expects the board to weigh public sentiment before making a final decision.
“As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry… but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment,” the official stated.
What if India refuses to play?
According to NDTV, India can forfeit the match, but doing so would be considered a walkover, with full points awarded to Pakistan. In a tournament setting, such a move could severely impact India’s chances of reaching the next stage.
“This is not a bilateral contest but part of a multi-nation tournament. A forfeit would hand Pakistan an unfair advantage,” a source told the channel.
Earlier this month, former cricketer Yuvraj Singh and his India Champions side refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham. The decision came in response to public anger over the Pahalgam attack and forced organisers to cancel the match, later apologizing to Indian players for causing distress.
With emotions still running high, the ball is now firmly in the BCCI’s court, as the nation watches to see whether cricket will go on — or be paused in protest.
