Asia Cup 2025: BCCI Reaffirms India Will Face Pakistan Despite Criticism
The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has become the center of a heated debate, as India prepares to face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. The clash, eagerly awaited by millions of cricket fans, comes against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives earlier this year.
While many former cricketers and fans voiced outrage, calling for a boycott of the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its stance clear — India will play every team in the Asia Cup, including Pakistan.
BCCI Breaks Silence Amid Controversy
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the growing criticism, clarifying that the cricket board is strictly following the Indian government’s sports policy.
“So far as the BCCI's view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy clearly states that there are no restrictions imposed on playing against countries not on friendly terms with India in multinational tournaments. So, India has to play all matches in any such event,” Saikia told ANI.
He added that while bilateral series against Pakistan remain suspended, India is obligated to participate in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events.
Why India Cannot Boycott Multinational Events
Saikia further warned of serious repercussions if India were to boycott multinational fixtures. Pulling out of matches against Pakistan in ICC or Asian Cricket Council tournaments could lead to sanctions on Indian federations, affecting not just cricket but also other sports.
“If India boycotts multinational tournaments, it may result in sanctions. Take athletics for example—if Neeraj Chopra refuses to compete against a Pakistani athlete, it could harm his participation in global events. That would be detrimental to the interests of Indian players,” he explained.
India vs Pakistan: High-Stakes Clash in Dubai
The India-Pakistan encounter on September 14 will be their first meeting on the cricket field since the Pahalgam attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The two teams could also face each other in the Super 4s on September 21, and possibly again in the final on September 28 if both sides progress.
#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam | On India to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia says, "As far as BCCI's view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalizes. Recently our policy which is in place regarding India's participating… pic.twitter.com/fCOi2A7WkA
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2025
Despite political tensions, cricket fans across the globe are anticipating one of the biggest showdowns in world cricket. The BCCI has made it clear: India will take the field, but only as part of multinational commitments, staying aligned with government policy.
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