Indian Sports Ministry has attracted backlash over allowing the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan to go ahead. With the Sports Ministry refusing green light only for bilateral series against Pakistan, several fans have deemed the decision as shameful, with #BoycottAsiaCup also trending on the social media platform of X.
The high-octane game between India and Pakistan will take place on the backdrop of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that resulted in the death of at least 26 civilians. This followed a military skirmish between India and Pakistan before ceasefire was announced. With families still grieving the loss of their loved ones, fans are questioning the BCCI over the need to play Pakistan even in global events.
Watch some of the netizens' reactions on giving green light to Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan:
According to the official statement released by the Sports Ministry, Indian team will not participate in any bilateral series hosted by Pakistan, nor they will allow Pakistan to do the same hosted by them. Nevertheless, Indian teams and individual players can participate in global evens where Pakistani players and sides participate. The same applies to multilateral events hosted by India.
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Only Team India and Pakistan have announced their Asia Cup 2025 squads
As far as squad announcements go, only India and Pakistan have announced their squads. Pakistan were the first to name it, doing so on August 17 and sprung a surprise by omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan but including Shaheen Shah Afridi.
India, meanwhile, announced theirs on August 19 as chief of selectors Ajit Agarkar named a well-drilled 17-member squad. Shreyas Iyer was a notable name to miss out but the Men in Blue have plenty of match-winners in their ranks to lead a successful title defence.
India, the defending champions, had won the 50-over edition in 2023, beating Sri Lanka in the final.
