Could BCCI have boycotted Asia Cup 2025? Full History of Asia Cup boycotts Released with reasons

There is a massive outrage on social media among the fans over the India vs Pakistan game in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. The calls for the boycott have intensified, putting extensive pressure on the BCCI and the Indian squad, as just hours are left for the actions on Sunday, September 14.

The upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked questions about whether the Men in Blue could have opted to boycott the game or the entire tournament, given the ongoing tension between the two countries and historical patterns.

BCCI under fire as India faces Pakistan amid social media backlash

India has a history of skipping Asia Cup tournaments. In 1986, the Men in Blue did not travel to Sri Lanka due to concerns over the treatment of Tamils. On the other hand, Pakistan boycotted the 1990-91 Asia Cup because of the Kashmir conflict.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: Not Abhishek Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah! Sunil Gavaskar names India’s ace vs Pakistan

Even the 1993 Asia Cup was cancelled entirely due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the 1993 bomb blasts. Back then, the BCCI had limited influence in world cricket and even paid Doordarshan to broadcast matches.

Today, with an estimated net worth of 20,000 crores, the BCCI dominates global cricket. Despite its financial and political power, both the government and BCCI have decided to go ahead with India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 and playing Pakistan.

Past boycotts fuel criticism over India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match

Fan even pointed out that the “Olympics excuse” often cited doesn’t hold much weight, citing examples like Brisbane struggling financially to host the 2032 Olympics. Some questioned why India would even consider a bid for the 2036 Olympics when the stakes are so high and the political and social tensions remain intense.

Fans even recalled the 26/11 attacks and slammed the BCCI for even then agreeing to face Pakistan in the ODI World Cup. And even after the 2019 Pulwama attack, India faced Pakistan in the World Cup and then hosted them in the 2023 World Cup, with fans questioning those calls.

India boycotted the 1986 Asia Cup because they did not want to travel to Sri Lanka due to the way Tamils were being treated there.

Pakistan boycotted the 1990/91 Asia Cup because of Kashmir conflict

The 1993 Asia Cup was cancelled due to strained relations between Ind & Pak… https://t.co/7D6nXJr14L

— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) September 14, 2025

Read Also: India vs Pakistan turns a nightmare for Dubai Police!! Jail advisory issued

Asia Cup 2025 could script history

Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 could finally make history if India and Pakistan meet in the final; that has never happened since 1984. India is the most successful team in Asia Cup history, winning 8 titles and finishing second 3 times. Pakistan has won the trophy twice and has been runner-up 3 times.

India and Pakistan have faced each other 18 times in the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue lead with 10 wins, Pakistan has 6 wins to their name, and 2 matches were abandoned. In the T20 format, they’ve played 3 times, where India won 2 matches, while Pakistan won 1 in 2022 in Dubai.

That remains Pakistan’s only win against India in the last ten years. In the past decade, India has dominated, winning 5 out of 7 matches, losing only once, with one match abandoned. Despite all these encounters, an Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan has never happened.