India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Clash Under Fire After Pahalgam Attack: Will the Match Happen?

Why there is controversy regarding the India-Pakistan match?

The whole World is well known with the shocking act of terrorism that took place in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, where 26 civilians lost their lives. After deep investigation, Pakistan was proven to be guilty behind the heinous crime! The Indian government refused to stay silent, and launched an air force strike on May 06 and 07, due to which IPL was delayed! This matter led to a war like condition, that was resolved only after United Nation’s intervention. On 28 July 2025, India launched another operation Mahadev in which the army shot down three terrorists, who were a part of the Pahalgam attack. This piled up to the question “Will India play with Pakistan?” and has been one of the biggest trends on social media.

Amidst the condition, BCCI had taken a pause about their participation in the Asia Cup 2025, but this meant that the whole tournament will be cancelled. After BCCI confirmed their participation, the ACC head announced the schedule stating India will play their opening match against UAE on 10^th September and with Pakistan on 14^th September.

What did Manoj Tiwary say about the India vs Pakistan clash?

According to Indian laws, BCCI does not come under the sports ministry, so their decision will be independent. Although, the BCCI follows all the suggestions put forward by the government, it has never refused to play against Pakistan.  According to the schedule, there is only 1 match between India and Pakistan, but the encounters can go to 2, if both of them progress to final. The former India star and ex IPL player, Manoj Tiwary is not at all happy with India playing against Pakistan. In an interview with ANI, he stated “I am against it. The India-Pakistan match should not be held, especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which civilians were killed. After that, Operation Sindoor took place. The situation was so bad, how can we think of an India-Pakistan match? I feel that it should be reconsidered, and the India-Pakistan match should not happen in such an environment.”

On 29 July, during the Lok Sabha speech, PM Narendra Modi threatened Pakistan that if they try to play tricks against India, then the nation will not take it lightly as operation is still going on. Standing with him, Manoj Tiwary said that if the PM is warning the, the BCCI should not allow India to play against Pakistan, as this is a matter of security concern. A lot of mixed opinions are being put forward, but most of them are negative.

Sourav Ganguly Reacts Strongly to India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Game

Though, many legends aren’t supporting the decision of India playing against Pakistan, Saurav Ganguly has a different perspective. This is because in his recent interview with ANI, he said that he doesn’t have problem with the India Pakistan clash as the sports must go on, but terrorism shouldn’t take place! This is contradictory to his statement in April, where he said that the two countries should maintain no relation, even in terms of sports. After his set of contradictory statements, he is receiving lot of criticism, as fans feel that no business or sport comes before nation. Another famous cricket legend, Mohammad Azharuddin stated that amidst the current political tensions, India and Pakistan should not play this match. He further said that if BCCI decides to approve this, then bilateral series should be normalised too. According to him, no sports should be carried with the country, until all political problems have resolved.

What will happen if India does not play against Pakistan?

India has full right to not play against Pakistan, if the BCCI doesn’t allow so, but it will be a very big drawback for the team’s performance. This will be like a cherry on top for Pakistan, as they will get 2 points straight away, making the qualification easier. However, the Suryakumar led side will not be awarded any points as it was their own decision to not play against Pakistan. This can pose problems for us in the later half of the tournament. The BCCI remains independent and is the ultimate deciding factor if India will play against Pakistan or not.

India vs Pakistan semi final scenario in the WCL 2025

On 20 July 2025, India had to face off Pakistan at Birmingham in the World Championship of legends, but the match did not take place, as players boycotted it. However, they have to face Pakistan tomorrow in the semi finals, but there is controversy regarding that. This match is not another group stage match, but will decide the finalists, and there’s less chance that it will get abandoned. This match can help BCCI decide whether India will play against Pakistan or not.

Sponsorship Rights in Danger for India vs Pakistan Clash – WCL 2025

Ease-my-trip is one of the sponsors of WCL, and has denied to play their part in the semi final of India and Pakistan, quoting “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.” The co-founder, Nishant Pitti continues to support team India, but will not normalise relations with a terrorist country. He has taken this through Instagram and made it public. The India vs Pakistan clash remains class apart as fans from all over the World will be waiting for the match. As a result of this abandonment, the brand will suffer from heavy financial loss.