The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is defending its decision to allow the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match to proceed, despite the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. The match, scheduled for today, September 14, 2025, has sparked widespread controversy and outrage, with many questioning the ethics of engaging in sporting events with a nation accused of supporting terrorism.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained the decision, emphasizing that the Asia Cup is a multinational tournament, akin to the Olympics or a FIFA event. According to Saikia, boycotting such a tournament could negatively impact India's future endeavors in hosting international sporting events. He stated that the decision to participate was made keeping in mind the policies issued by the central government. Saikia highlighted the difference between bilateral series, which India has avoided with Pakistan since 2012-13, and multilateral events where participation is almost unavoidable. Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur supported this view, stating that participation in tournaments organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) or the International Cricket Council (ICC) is a "compulsion". Failure to participate would result in forfeiture and elimination from the tournament.
However, this justification has done little to quell the anger and grief of those affected by the Pahalgam attack. Aishanya Dwivedi, the widow of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the attack, has passionately appealed for a boycott of the match. She criticized the BCCI for prioritizing the game over the sentiments of the families who lost loved ones. "BCCI should not have accepted a match between India and Pakistan. I think BCCI is not sentimental towards those 26 families," she stated. Dwivedi urged fans to abstain from watching the game, fearing that the revenue generated would indirectly fund terrorism. "Don't switch on your TVs. Don't give them the numbers. Boycott this match," she appealed.
The controversy has also taken on a political dimension, with opposition leaders condemning the match as "treason" and a betrayal of the Pahalgam martyrs. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned whether the money earned from the match was more valuable than the lives lost in the terror attack. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced "Sindoor" protests across Maharashtra, emphasizing that boycotting the match would send a strong message to the world about India's stance on terrorism.
Public sentiment appears to be largely against the match, with many feeling that it disregards the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. Social media is rife with boycott campaigns, and reports suggest that ticket sales have been lower than expected. Some social media accounts have even pledged to refrain from covering the match, prioritizing the "mood of the nation".
Despite the widespread criticism and boycott calls, the BCCI remains firm in its stance. The decision highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and national security, forcing an uncomfortable question: In the clash between profit and patriotism, which side truly wins?
