No major cricket tournament is complete without a bit of off-field drama. But trust Indian media to turn even a routine fixture announcement into headline hysteria. With the Asia Cup 2025 schedule finally out, a fresh round of outrage has erupted across India over the clash against Pakistan.
The fixture that gets everyone talking, selling tickets, and breaking internet records is back. Yes, India are slated to face Pakistan on 14 September in the group stage, and if both teams progress, fans could be treated to as many as three high-voltage encounters throughout the tournament.
But instead of gearing up for the cricketing spectacle, sections of Indian media and former cricketers are fuming. Why? Let’s unpack it.
The Noise Machine Fires Up
The moment the fixture was released, several Indian media outlets and pundits went into overdrive, criticising the BCCI for not boycotting the tournament, or at least the Pakistan game.
They cited recent cross-border tensions as the basis for their argument, pushing the narrative that India should not take the field against their arch-rivals.
This isn’t new. Over the years, every India-Pakistan match is met with calls for a boycott from some quarters. But the irony this time? India is officially the host of the Asia Cup. So pulling out is not just unlikely, it’s practically impossible.
No Going Back Now
Sources inside the BCCI have confirmed that a final call on India’s participation, including the match against Pakistan, was taken during the recent Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka. That decision, made after formal discussions, is binding.
To quote a BCCI official who spoke to Indian media, “The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the match now. The decision was agreed upon after the ACC meeting. Since India is the host nation, nothing can be changed at this stage.”
So, while the noise might continue, the plan remains unchanged: India will play Pakistan on 14 September in the UAE.
Déjà Vu: Media Meltdown, Again
The reaction has been fierce. News channels are roasting their own board and even questioning the Indian government’s silence.
Several commentators have drawn comparisons with the recent World Championship of Legends, where a Pakistan-India match was cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, reportedly opted out.
Former Indian cricketers have also jumped into the debate, urging the BCCI to reconsider the decision. But realistically, there’s little room to manoeuvre. The match is locked in, fans are excited, and preparations are underway.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
