‘Disgrace on BCCI!’: Outrage as India agrees to play Pakistan in Asia Cup after Pahalgam attack

Ending months of speculation, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday confirmed that the 2025 Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group and may face each other up to three times during the tournament.

The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. In response, India had suspended its participation in the tournament, casting doubt over the Asia Cup’s future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing national security concerns, was reportedly awaiting government clearance while the ACC explored alternate venues.

However, with the official schedule now out and India back in the fray, outrage erupted on social media. Critics lambasted the BCCI for allegedly compromising national dignity, using slogans like “Disgrace on BCCI” and “Boycott Asia Cup” across platforms.

The backlash was rooted in the emotional and political fallout from the Pahalgam attack, which also triggered India’s Operation Sindoor. Many fans argued that playing Pakistan in a major tournament so soon after such an incident sends the wrong message and undermines the sacrifices of those affected.

The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format to align with preparations for the T20 World Cup in 2026. It will also see an expanded roster, featuring eight teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Naqvi framed the development in positive terms, stating, “Hosting the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE allows fans from across Asia to come together in a setting that mirrors our region’s incredible diversity. When crowds gather to witness the tournament’s unforgettable clashes, it will be a great reminder of cricket’s power to build bridges.”

He also called the expansion of the Asia Cup “a milestone” and described it as a sign of cricket’s growing influence in Asia.

Despite Naqvi’s optimism, the focus back in India remained on the perceived insensitivity of the timing and context. With the India-Pakistan clash set for September 14, fans continue to urge the BCCI to withdraw, stating that no sporting ties should resume until justice is served for the victims of Pahalgam.