The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave the green light to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9 in the UAE. Fans questioned the BCCI’s double stance on cricketing ties with their archrivals, as India had avoided playing Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends.
The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 worsened tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The BCCI, hosts of the Asia Cup, reportedly decided to boycott the tournament due to political tensions.
The BCCI was reportedly awaiting government approval for India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025, as the ACC considered shifting the entire tournament to a neutral venue. Despite ongoing tensions, the Cup schedule was announced on July 27.
The tournament is set to begin in September, with the India-Pakistan match scheduled for September 14. The announcement sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the BCCI of ignoring public sentiment and calling for a boycott.
India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group, making the prospect of up to three high-stakes clashes between the rivals likely. The Asian tournament will be held in a T20 format to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup and, for the first time, will feature eight teams.
Indian Government Unlikely to Approve Team’s Participation in the tournament
India Today Sports Consulting Editor Nikhil Naz expressed skepticism about India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup despite the fixture announcement. Naz added that political tensions could still prevent the Indian government from allowing the national team to compete in the event.
"Have a feeling we may not have heard the last on Asia Cup. Fixtures may have been announced but, in the current political climate, doubt if the Indian govt will allow the national team to play a tournament featuring Pakistan," Nikhil Naz wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Have a feeling we may not have heard the last on Asia Cup. Fixtures may have been announced but, in the current political climate, doubt if the Indian govt will allow the national team to play a tournament featuring Pakistan.
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) July 27, 2025
India enters the upcoming tournament as the reigning champions, having clinched the 2023 title with a win over Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by defeating Pakistan in the 2022 final, the last time the tournament was played in the T20 format.
Mohammad Azharuddin Slams BCCI’s Double Standards After Schedule Announcement
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin criticized the decision to allow India to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup. He questioned why the two countries avoid bilateral series but still compete in multi-nation events, adding that it should not be allowed.
"I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too, that's what I believe. But whatever the government and the board decide will happen..." Azharuddin said.
A week ago, the India Champions team, led by Yuvraj Singh, declined to take the field against Pakistan Champions in Birmingham during the second season of the World Championship of Legends. Tournament organizers were forced to cancel the fixture.
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