Asia Cup 2025: Indian Government abandons BCCI

Just days after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) released the official schedule of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, a major twist has rocked the preparations for the subcontinental tournament.

As the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is set for September 14 in the UAE, uncertainty now looms large over whether this Asia Cup 2025 clash will even take place.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has made it clear that the final decision on India's participation against Pakistan lies with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), not the government.

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The much-awaited National Sports Governance Bill 2025, which would give the government the power to intervene in such matters, is still stuck in Parliament.

Government shifts responsibility to BCCI over India vs Pakistan game in Asia Cup 2025

Until the National Sports Governance Bill is passed, the BCCI remains outside the control of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, which means the board can individually take the call on the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

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If the proposed bill passes in the Parliament, it will give the authority to the Sports Ministry to restrict Indian athletes from competing in international events under "extraordinary circumstances," and this clause could directly affect India vs Pakistan games going forward.

Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has slotted the archrivals in the same group in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, setting up a potential three India vs Pakistan matches on September 14 in the league phase, September 21 in the Super 4s, and possibly a final if both make it.

'A bullet and a ball cannot go together'

But with emotions running high after the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, fans are strongly opposing India’s participation against Pakistan in any sporting event. The debate has even entered the Parliament, with MP Asaduddin Owaisi raising serious questions over the India vs Pakistan fixture.

Even Congress MP Pramod Tiwari raised concerns about continuing cricket ties with Pakistan amid rising security threats, stating, “A bullet and a ball cannot go together.”

However, the Indian government has insisted that there’s no objection to India facing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments, but there is a need to strike a balance between public outrage and international commitments in such sentimental issues.

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We'll see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment: Sports Ministry

A sports ministry source was quoted as saying by PTI: “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.”

Well, India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, which requires full adherence to the Olympic Charter—including competing with all member nations, including Pakistan—makes the matter further complicated. Even the broadcasters are feeling the pressure.

Without the high-voltage India vs Pakistan games, they will suffer massive financial losses, jeopardizing the revenue stream for both the ACC and its member boards.

With the Asia Cup 2025 nearing, all eyes are now on the BCCI’s decision on whether they will continue with the planned schedule.