Asia Cup 2025: BCCI to cancel India vs Pakistan game? Massive twist on the cards

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under heavy criticism online following the release of the official schedule for the Asia Cup 2025. According to the schedule, India are set to take on Pakistan in the upcoming tournament in September, which has sparked backlash across social media.

In April this year, 26 civilians died in a deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which further deteriorated diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The attack led to a military escalation. In retaliation, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases across the border.

Asia Cup 2025: BCCI Delayed Asia Cup Confirmation After Pahalgam Attack

There have been growing demands for India to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Despite these calls for a boycott, India are scheduled to face Pakistan just three months after the attack.

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Critics have been questioning both the BCCI and the government’s silence on the matter. Many have urged the sports ministry to step in, but it currently lacks jurisdiction over the BCCI due to the pending National Sports Governance Bill.

Earlier, the BCCI had delayed confirming its participation in the tournament, putting the Asia Cup at risk of cancellation as they awaited government clearance. The speculation ended when ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially announced the tournament schedule last week.

"As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn't have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment," a sports ministry source told PTI.

Asia Cup 2025: Forfeiting Pakistan Clash Will Count as Loss for India - Report

If India decide not to play their scheduled match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, it would be treated as a forfeiture under tournament rules, according to an NDTV report. Pakistan would be awarded full points, which could affect the group standings and give them an upper hand.

The report added that a forfeiture would not only hurt India's campaign, led by Suryakumar Yadav, but also undermine the competitive balance of the event. The match is expected to go ahead as planned.

"This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable," sources told the channel.

Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan Yet to Resume Bilateral Cricket Ties Since 2008

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Both countries continue to meet on the international stage through global tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, where their matches generate significant viewership.

The Indian government maintains its position against bilateral sporting relations with Pakistan. Former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has stated that while terrorism must be condemned, sporting competitions between nations should not entirely come to a halt.

Earlier this month, Yuvraj Singh's India Champions team refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham. The match was cancelled, and the organizers later issued an apology to the Indian squad for any unintended discomfort their decision had caused.

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