Team India's dominant performance in the Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by controversy, drawing criticism from some corners despite their success. The issues range from political tensions influencing sporting decisions to concerns about the competitiveness of the tournament itself and even disapproval of simple acts of sportsmanship.
One major point of contention revolves around India's participation in matches against Pakistan, especially in light of recent political tensions and terrorist attacks. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that its decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup aligns with the Indian government's policy regarding participation in multinational tournaments. This policy dictates that while bilateral sporting events with Pakistan are prohibited, participation in international tournaments is permitted. The BCCI has emphasized that adhering to this policy is crucial to avoid potential sanctions from global sporting bodies, which could affect Indian athletes across various disciplines. However, this explanation has not quelled the outrage from fans and former players who believe that sports should not proceed as normal when there are hostile relations. Some feel that participating in these matches is insensitive, especially after events such as the Pahalgam attack.
Adding fuel to the fire, a seemingly innocuous handshake between India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and Pakistan's Interior Minister and PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, at a pre-tournament press conference, sparked intense backlash. Naqvi, known for his anti-India rhetoric, greeted all captains at the event, but the optics of the handshake, given his political position, were viewed as particularly controversial by some Indian fans. Social media erupted with criticism, with some users expressing feelings of betrayal and questioning how Indian players could shake hands with someone perceived as an enemy. Some viewed it as condoning terrorism and devaluing the loss of lives.
Furthermore, the quality of competition in the Asia Cup 2025 has also come under scrutiny. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly criticized the tournament for its lack of competitive teams. He suggested that including teams from Africa or even India's A-side could significantly raise the tournament's standard. Ashwin argued that the current format does not adequately prepare teams for major events like the T20 World Cup. He stated that the disparity in quality is so vast that matches are becoming one-sided, diminishing the tournament's value as a preparatory ground.
In a match against the UAE, Suryakumar Yadav withdrew an appeal after a UAE batter was seemingly distracted by a towel falling off the bowler. While some praised this as an act of sportsmanship, others, like commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, felt it was unnecessary and merely an attempt by India to be "nice" to a weaker team. This incident ignited debate about the balance between competitiveness and the spirit of the game.
Despite India's on-field dominance in the Asia Cup 2025, these controversies highlight the complex intersection of sports, politics, and public sentiment. While the team focuses on preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026, these external issues continue to stir debate and draw criticism, overshadowing their achievements.
