The storied cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is expected to resume this September, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officially confirming the schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup. The clash between two sides is slated on September 14 in a Group A fixture – a match that could potentially be followed by two more high-stakes encounters if both teams advance to the final.
However, the announcement has stirred a storm on social media and reignited political tensions, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians on April 22. The attack was followed by heightened military action, including India’s Operation Sindoor, further straining bilateral relations between the two nations.
BCCI Awaits Government Nod
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) had delayed confirming its participation in the tournament, citing the need for clearance from the central government. The hesitation raised doubts over the Asia Cup’s fate, with concerns that India’s withdrawal could derail the entire event.
Last week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi ended the uncertainty by unveiling the full tournament schedule including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan group-stage fixture.
Despite the announcement, the final word still rests with the Indian government. A source from the Ministry of Sports told PTI, “As of now, the BCCI doesn’t come under our direct purview since the National Sports Governance Bill hasn’t been passed. So, the ministry has no official say, but we’ll be watching how the BCCI responds to the public sentiment.”
What If India Pulls Out of the Match?
According to a report by NDTV, India can technically forfeit the group-stage match against Pakistan, but doing so would mean conceding valuable points. As per tournament rules, such a move would be considered a walkover, giving Pakistan full points and a significant advantage in progressing to the next round.
“This isn’t a bilateral series. It’s part of a multi-nation tournament,” said a source close to the matter. “If India refuses to play, it’s not just missing a match, it’s effectively handing Pakistan a win. That would be a big setback in a tournament scenario.”
Not the First Instance of Withdrawal
Earlier this month, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh and the India Champions team made headlines by refusing to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham. Their decision, made in solidarity with public sentiment following the Pahalgam attack, forced organisers to cancel the match. The WCL later issued an apology, admitting they had “unintentionally caused discomfort” to the Indian players.
With public pressure mounting and emotions running high, the BCCI now faces a delicate decision whether to honour the Asia Cup schedule or take a political stand that could alter the course of the tournament. All eyes are now on cricket’s most powerful board as the countdown to September begins.
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