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There has been an ongoing debate about whether the Indian Men’s Cricket team should compete in the Asia Cup 2025, particularly regarding matches against Pakistan. With both teams placed in the same group by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India could potentially face Pakistan up to three times in the tournament.
What happened?
After the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year on 22 April, where 26 Indian civilians, mostly Hindus, were killed, the Indian government had decided to stop any kind of deals, businesses, and relationship with the neighbouring country. Although the government handled the situation in its own way, cricket fans across the nation wanted no India vs Pakistan games during any tournaments.
During the World Championship of Legends tournament Indian team did not play any games against the Pakistani team to protest against the terror attacks, largely supported by the Pakistani government. After that, fans were hoping for that same thing in the Asia Cup 2025 as well.
Different thoughts by fans
If Terror and Talks Can’t go Together then Terror and Cricket can’t go together. #BoycottAsiaCup #BoycottBCCI pic.twitter.com/sbPzjXOHMH
— BRADDY (@braddy_Codie05) July 26, 2025
Although many Indian cricket team fans wanted to boycott the Asia Cup to protest against the terror attacks in Pahalgam, many wanted to see the Indian men’s cricket team smashing the Pakistani team in the tournament to give them a taste of defeat on the cricket field as well.
Some argued that since this is not a bilateral series, India should compete in the International or continental events to hold their head high in the world arena. With the Indian government looking to host the Olympics, India needs to be very cautious to have a diplomatic face during this time.
What did Anurag Thakur say on the India vs Pakistan match?
Anurag Thakur, the former Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs, and current B.J.P. MP from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, stated that participation in tournaments organised by ACC or ICC is a compulsion and a necessity for the BCCI.
Via a video by ANI on X, he said, "When multinational tournaments are organised by ACC or ICC, it becomes a compulsion, a necessity for nations to participate. If they don't do that, they will be eliminated from the tournament, they will have to forfeit the match, and the other team will get the points...But India doesn't play bilateral tournaments with Pakistan. We have made this decision for years that India won't play bilateral tournaments with Pakistan until Pakistan stops terrorist attacks on India."
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: On the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, "When multinational tournaments are organised by ACC or ICC, it becomes a compulsion, a necessity for nations to participate. If they don't do that, they will be… pic.twitter.com/ybP4n9nCaJ
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025
What does the new sports bill say about the India vs Pakistan match?
As per the new Sports Bill, amended by the Indian government, India will not engage in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan. This includes competitions in India, Pakistan, or any neutral venues on a one-on-one basis.
However, the bill allows Indian teams and athletes to participate in multilateral or international events where Pakistan is also competing, such as the Asia Cup or ICC/ACC events. This aligns with the Olympic Charter, which mandates equal opportunity and non-discrimination in international sports competitions.
Moreover, Pakistani teams will not be allowed to compete on Indian soil for bilateral events, but can participate in multilateral tournaments hosted by India. Similarly, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral sports events.
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When is the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025?
India will face Pakistan in the group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14, at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. The match will start at 8 pm IST.
How to watch the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match?
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match will be streamed LIVE on the SonyLIV app and website. The match will also be televised on Sony Sports Network channels across India.