The build-up to the much-awaited India–Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14 in Dubai has been dominated by controversies off the field. Pakistan Super League side Karachi Kings drew criticism after posting a chess-themed graphic showing their captain Salman Ali Agha at the board, while India’s position was left blank. The move appeared to mirror what IPL franchise Punjab Kings had done earlier, when they announced India’s Asia Cup fixture without naming Pakistan. Both instances sparked heated online reactions, with Punjab Kings even disabling comments on their official handle.

Amid this, the political dimension intensified in India when a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the fixture. The plea, citing terrorism and national security concerns, argued that playing Pakistan undermines the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, especially in light of recent terror incidents. It also claimed such sporting ties could demoralise the armed forces. The court, however, declined an urgent hearing. Despite these disputes, anticipation for the high-stakes match remains immense, with both teams starting their campaigns with victories and possibly set to meet multiple times in the tournament.

Ind vs Pak Asia Cup: Widow of Kanpur man killed in Pahalgam terror attack calls for boycott

The widow of a Kanpur businessman who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack has called for the boycott of the upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for this Sunday.

Aishanya, the widow of Shubham Dwivedi, criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their decision to proceed with the match after the attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including her husband.

Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Aishanya described the decision to hold the match as "deeply insensitive" and accused the BCCI of disregarding the sentiments of the victims' families. "Their martyrdom holds no value for the BCCI. Perhaps because none of their own were lost," she said.

She appealed to the public, urging them to "boycott this match, do not watch it on television."

Aishanya also expressed disappointment over the silence of Indian cricketers and urged them to refuse to play against Pakistan. "Cricket is treated as a national sport, yet only a few players have spoken about boycotting. The BCCI cannot force anyone at gunpoint to play," she asserted.

She argued that any revenue generated from the match would ultimately benefit Pakistan, stating, "Every rupee that reaches Pakistan through this match is certainly used for terrorism. By playing, we are strengthening those who attack us."

Aishanya called on sponsors and broadcasters to reconsider their involvement.

Reiterating her request for a public boycott, Aishanya said, "If you do not switch on your TV that day, there will be no viewership and no revenue. Only then can a change be brought," she said.
Cricket’s El Clasico this time around is marred by greater controversies, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and how relations between nations grow tense when people with vested interests take advantage of the situation. (With inputs from Agencies)