Indian Media Demands Asia Cup Boycott Over Pakistan Match, Accuses BCCI of Prioritizing Business Over National Sentiment

Karachi: Following the announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 schedule by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a storm has erupted in India, with growing calls for the Modi government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the tournament over Pakistan’s participation.
Indian media has strongly criticized the BCCI, calling its decision to play against Pakistan a display of “cowardice and shamelessness.” Accusations are being hurled that the cricket board is prioritizing business interests over national sentiment, especially given the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
Several media outlets have questioned why the BCCI even considered playing against Pakistan, arguing that if trade between the two nations is banned, sports—especially cricket—should not be an exception. Opposition parties in India have also raised similar concerns, demanding consistency in government policy.
Indian cricket legends recently refused to play an exhibition match against Pakistani champions, intensifying the backlash over the scheduled India-Pakistan clash on September 14 in the Asia Cup. The hashtag #BoycottAsiaCup is trending on social media, with fans accusing the BCCI of betraying national emotions.
The pressure is mounting on the BCCI to take a clear stand on participating in the tournament. Critics claim that without India’s participation, the Asia Cup cannot be commercially or competitively viable.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India and Pakistan are grouped together in Group A along with UAE and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.