As the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 clash in the Asia Cup 2025 draws near, actor and film producer Suniel Shetty has shared his views on the controversy surrounding the match’s scheduling and the ongoing public sentiment.
The arch-rivals are scheduled to face off on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But while fans eagerly await the action on the field, tensions off the field have brought a cloud of debate over whether the match should go ahead at all.
Amid rising calls for a boycott – largely triggered by strained diplomatic ties and public outrage following the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year – Shetty has urged people to respect the sport and understand the broader context in which such events are scheduled.
“It’s a personal call”: Shetty urges perspective over politics
In a statement quoted by The Economic Times, Shetty emphasized that the scheduling of the match falls under the jurisdiction of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) – a multinational governing body for cricket in the region and that cricketers themselves have little say in these decisions.
“It’s [ACC] a world sporting body. They [players] have to abide by those rules and regulations because there are a lot of other sports and a lot of athletes who are involved in them. As Indians, I think that is our personal call that we have to take, whether we want to see it, whether we don’t want to see it, whether we want to go or not go and that’s a call India has to take,” said Shetty.
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Shetty’s remarks strike a chord at a time when national emotion and sporting duty appear to be on a collision course. Several media personalities and influencers have already stated their intention to not cover the match, amplifying calls for a symbolic boycott.
“You cannot blame cricketers for playing”
Shetty also defended the athletes representing India and Pakistan, stating that they are simply fulfilling their duty as sportsmen on the global stage.
“You cannot blame cricketers for playing because they are sportsmen. They are expected to represent the country. I think that’s a call we have to take. If I’m not going to see it, I’m not going to see it. It’s for you to decide what each one of you wants to do. It’s not in BCCI’s hands. It’s a world sporting body and you can’t blame anybody,” he added.
His balanced comments highlight an important distinction between national sentiment and international sporting protocol – reminding the public that participation in global tournaments is governed by international rules and agreements, not domestic policy alone.
Match day amid mixed emotions
Despite the controversy, excitement continues to build around the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 showdown – a fixture that has always transcended the sport in terms of cultural and emotional impact. But this time, the contest arrives amidst a wave of public introspection.
There’s a clear split in public opinion. While many still plan to cheer from their living rooms or from the stands in Dubai, others feel this may not be the right time to celebrate a sporting event involving a nation with which political relations remain deeply troubled.
