Asia Cup 2025: Boycott Calls Grow as India-Pakistan Match Proceeds Despite Pahalgam Terror Attack
Asia Cup 2025: In spite of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government permits the India vs. Pakistan match to take place.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 14: India's match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup has sparked outrage. This is because of the deadly Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. On social media, people of various backgrounds from politicians and soldiers to celebrities and regular people are protesting. They are joining together to demand that everyone boycott Sunday's high-stakes game.
Public Anger Peaks
Outrage was expressed from all sides when the match was announced in July. It was just a few weeks after Operation Sindoor. Hashtags like #BoycottIndvsPak is going viral on social media.The sentiment has been shared by journalists, actors, veterans, and even former cricket players for the Indian national team.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says, “My conscience does not allow me to watch this match. How can we play cricket with Pakistan when we have suspended trade, stopped water, and banned flights after their hand in terror attacks? On one hand, you say water and blood cannot flow together; on the other, you allow cricket—how is this not hypocrisy?”
Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla says, “All of India, all 1.4 billion Indians want India to have no relations with Pakistan and must not play cricket with them at all. Our government has informed us that Operation Sindoor has not ended, it's only paused. How can we play cricket with such a nation?”
Shaurya Chakra awardee Major Pawan Kumar says, “No breaking news, no score updates, no tickers—we know you can't boycott it but you can definitely avoid it silently. Hope you all respect the sentiments of 140 crore Indians.”
On social media, there is more of a boycott mood than excitement. A number of Pakistani cricket players have publicly supported their nation's military narrative during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's Asia Cup team currently includes two of these players, Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed. They have shared anti-Indian propaganda on social media.
Ticket Sales Slump
The ticket sales for the match are surprisingly low. According to reports, the high cost of premium packages that included private entrances, aisle access, parking, VIP lounges, and limitless food and drink has backfired. The reasonably priced lower-stand tickets continue to sell slowly. The premium pairs of seats, which cost between Rs 1.67 lakh and over Rs 4 lakh, are still unsold.
Govt Sets Boundaries
The Indian government has set a boundary. The administration declares that India will neither send athletes to Pakistan nor host Pakistani teams. It will not engage in bilateral matches with Pakistan. It did, however, permit matches in international competitions like the World Cup or the Asia Cup.
Petition in Supreme Court
A petition to stop the Asia Cup match was submitted to the Supreme Court. The petition claims that national interest should not take priority over cricket. It calls for the BCCI to be placed under the Ministry of Sports by the new National Sports Governance Act, 2025. However, the court declined to list the case urgently.
