The much-awaited schedule of the Asia Cup 2025 event was announced last week, and as expected, the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 is garnering all the eyeballs. The two Asian powerhouses are also expected to meet more than once, if they manage to enter the finals. While under normal circumstances, an India vs Pakistan match would have excited fans across borders, in the current scenario, it has drawn a lot of flak and a storm on social media.
After the crowd's strict no against the India vs Pakistan clash, the Indian Sports Ministry has put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the spotlight to take a final call. The public outrage has come in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 innocent people lost their lives. The incident was followed by the Indian Government's response of Operation Sindoor, which led to a military showdown between the two nations.
Until the announcement by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about the Asia Cup, the BCCI refrained from making a public announcement of its participation in the Continental Cup, leaving the Asia Cup almost cancelled. However, all the rumors were put to bed by Pakistan Board Chairman (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi, when he announced the schedule.
"As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn't have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment," a sports ministry source told PTI.
What will happen if India forfeits its match against Pakistan?
According to a report in NDTV, India does not have the right to forfeit their match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. If the Suryakumar-led side does this, then the latter will be handed the designated points, as it is not a bilateral series, but an Asian event.
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"This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable," sources told the channel, confirming that the match is unlikely to be cancelled.
Notably, Yuvraj Singh-led India forfeited a match against Pakistan Champions on Sunday, July 27, in the ongoing WCL 2025 in support of the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks.
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