BCCI is barred from pulling out of the India vs Pakistan match at Asia Cup 2025: Reports
The BCCI is facing undue criticism following the announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 schedule. After weeks of speculation over the fate of the T20 tournament, the ACC announced Asia Cup fixtures on July 26. India and Pakistan, as always, have been placed in the same group. The schedule suggests that the arch-rivals could stage the India vs Pakistan clash thrice in the tournament. However, the plan has not gone down well with the Indian masses. The relations between the neighboring nations are not similar to what they were a few months back. The move to play Pakistan in the ACC event is being perceived as the Indian board not taking a firm stand against Pakistan.
Why is the India vs Pakistan match at Asia Cup 2025 under scrutiny?
Earlier this year, India was jolted by a heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Over 25 Indian tourists were reported dead in the attack orchestrated by terrorists from across the border. Taking the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack as a wake-up call, India attacked terrorist camps in Pakistan under "Operation Sindoor." However, Pakistan, being the harbor and a safe haven for terrorism to prosper, escalated the conflict. What followed was an intense showdown of action between the neighbors. The ripples of the India-Pakistan conflict marred IPL 2025 as well, with the notorious neighbors launching missiles at civilian spots in India.
While a ceasefire was reached soon after, the conflict left a lasting mark. India and Pakistan have never shared a pleasant relationship. But the neighbors shared cordial bonds in some aspects, including sports. While India has not toured Pakistan ever since the 26/11 attacks, India vs Pakistan matches at ICC and ACC events were touted as high-stakes clashes for the sheer rivalry. The teams last played at the ICC Champions Trophy early this year when India played its matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan, the official venue.
Perception has changed ever since. After the India-Pakistan conflict, Indian fans have disposed of any idea of playing against Pakistan at any event. Not long ago, the India vs Pakistan clash at the World Championship of Legends was canceled due to public outrage. Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of the WCL 2025 opener against Pakistan before the match was called off altogether.
The BCCI can not withdraw from the India vs Pakistan clash at Asia Cup 2025
The public sentiment didn't seem to perturb the authorities when deciding the fate of Asia Cup 2025. Following an ACC meeting of all the stakeholders, the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was announced. Despite the worsened relationship between the neighbors, India and Pakistan have been named in the same group. Being in the same group means that the Asia Cup could stage as many as three India vs Pakistan matches.
The update has caused chaos, with the fans and fraternity taking aim at the BCCI. Calls have been made for India to pull out of the match against Pakistan. However, the latest update in the matter suggests that the BCCI cannot withdraw from the clash now. The report informs that the Indian board has already agreed to the setting in the ACC meeting and cannot withdraw now. Despite the national sentiment, the match will unfold as scheduled, said a BCCI source.
“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. An official-level discussion took place, and the outcome was decided accordingly. The match will go ahead as scheduled," BCCI sources were quoted as saying.
