Dubai, July 27, 2025: A fresh wave of controversy has erupted across India following the release of the Asia Cup 2025 schedule, with growing criticism from segments of the Indian media and former cricketers over the confirmed group-stage clash against Pakistan.
Despite the rising calls for a boycott, particularly in light of the ongoing political tensions between the two countries, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already given its formal approval to the schedule during a recent Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting held in Dhaka. As the host nation, India is now contractually bound to participate fully in the tournament, including the high-profile match against Pakistan.
Sources close to the BCCI confirmed that the matter was settled at the official level. “The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the Pakistan fixture now. The decision was finalised during the ACC meeting. Since India is the host, no changes can be made at this stage,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying on Sunday.
The BCCI has not issued any statement suggesting a boycott of the match, either during or after the ACC meeting, or following the publication of the official schedule. However, the controversy intensified after the announcement, with several Indian media outlets and political commentators strongly criticising the cricket board and the central government for not opting out of the clash.
Adding fuel to the fire, several former Indian cricketers have publicly expressed opposition to playing Pakistan in the current geopolitical environment, echoing similar sentiments voiced ahead of past international tournaments, including the World Champions League.
Despite the political backlash, the tournament remains on track. The Asia Cup 2025, featuring eight teams, will kick off on September 9 with a curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
Pakistan will begin their campaign on September 12 against Oman, followed by the highly anticipated clash with India on September 14. The Green Shirts will conclude their group-stage fixtures against hosts UAE on September 17.
Depending on results, the two arch-rivals could potentially meet again in the Super Four stage and possibly in the final — setting the stage for up to three high-stakes encounters between India and Pakistan during the tournament.
