Asia Cup 2025: Why India Will Face Pakistan Despite Boycott Calls

The upcoming India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, has triggered strong reactions. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the issue, pointing to the central government’s recently revised policy. He clarified that the government has not restricted India from playing against unfriendly nations in multinational tournaments.

Anger After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The discontent stems from the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. The incident fueled demands from former cricketers and fans to boycott the fixture against Pakistan.

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India National Cricket Team Founded: 1926

The India National Cricket Team represents India in international cricket and is one of the strongest teams in the world.

Government’s Revised Policy

In August, the government updated its policy concerning Indian athletes competing against Pakistani players. As per the guidelines, India is allowed to take part in multinational events but will continue to avoid bilateral series with Pakistan.

BCCI’s Stand on Following Policy

"So far as the BCCI's view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India's participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restrictions imposed by the central government whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India. So India have to play all the matches in any multinational tournament," Saikia told exclusively to ANI.

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Pakistan Founded: 1952

The Pakistan cricket team is known for producing some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in world cricket.

"As the ICC Cup is a multinational tournament involving the countries of the Asia continent, so we have to play. And also, for any ICC tournament, when there is a country which is not on friendly terms with India, we have to play in the international tournaments. So far as bilateral is concerned, we are not going to play with any of our hostile countries," he added.

Possible Consequences of Boycott

Saikia emphasized that the BCCI will follow the government’s stance. He also warned that boycotting matches against Pakistan in global events could lead to sanctions.

"So we are following the policy framed by the government of India, the Youth and Sports Development Department. So, the policy we are following we are totally in alignment with the policy framed by the central government. And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow the policy. And that policy is very nicely done, taking into consideration not only cricket, but also other games," he said.

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Suryakumar Yadav Batter

Suryakumar Yadav, known as KY or Mr 360, is an Indian cricketer who plays for Mumbai Indians.

"If you think that if India boycotts any of the multinational tournaments hosted by the Asian Cricket Council or the ICC, or if you take any other sports, suppose a FIFA tournament or an AFC tournament or any other, suppose, athletic tournament involving multinational teams, and India is not playing with a particular country, then there may be sanctions against the Indian Federation," Saikia added.

Impact on Other Sports and Athletes

To illustrate his point, Saikia referred to athletics, mentioning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.

"That will actually go against the players of that particular event. Suppose, taking an example, suppose in athletics, India is not playing a particular tournament because we have to play with a player belonging to a hostile country. In that situation, if any sanction comes with the Indian Athletic Association, then take the example, suppose Neeraj Chopra, he won't be able to participate in any international event. So that will be detrimental to the interests of the players," he explained.

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Shubman Gill Batter

Shubman Gill, a cricketer from Fazilka, Punjab, India, has made a remarkable career in international cricket.

"I am sure the government of India has taken into consideration all these factors while formulating the policy that allows India to participate, not only in cricket but also in other games, in various multinational tournaments," Saikia concluded.