Fans Question ‘Selective Outrage’ as India Vs. Pakistan Asia Cup Fixture Gets Finalized

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013, only facing each other in the Asia Cup and major ICC events due to tensions.

Fans Question ‘Selective Outrage’ as India Vs. Pakistan Asia Cup Fixture Gets Finalized

Fans have been left angered over the 2025 Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan, despite geo-political tensions. (via Mint)

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Indian cricket fans have been left both shocked and furious by the recently revealed 2025 Asia Cup schedule, particularly about the match between India and Pakistan. This highly anticipated clash comes amid geopolitical and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.

India and Pakistan are slated to face each other in a group stage encounter of the 2025 Asia Cup on September 14. Ending the uncertainty, the tournament will commence on September 9 and continue until September 28, featuring several group stage clashes, super four stage matches, and the final. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officially confirmed the tournament schedule and format after its meeting in Dhaka.

After working with the BCCI on the final draft of the 2025 Asia Cup, the ACC announced the schedule, with all matches set to be played in the UAE. Although India was initially designated to host the event, several factors, including its strained relationship with Pakistan, led to the matches being shifted out of the country. Furthermore, the announcement of the Asia Cup comes just days after India postponed its tour to Bangladesh, which was initially planned for August 2025.

This 2025 Asia Cup will feature a total of 19 matches, divided into two groups. Group A comprises defending champions India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the primary focus will undoubtedly be on the India-Pakistan encounter, which will mark the first time the two sides have faced off since the 2025 Champions Trophy.

India’s clash with Pakistan unfolds amidst strained relations between the two neighboring countries. This follows the deadly April 26 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives. The incident led to the Indian government conducting unannounced strikes, under Operation Sindoor, on several terrorist outposts in Pakistan. The Pakistani government retaliated, resulting in an escalation that brought the two countries to the brink of war.

Despite the end of hostilities, relations between the two countries have remained tense, with fans across India urging for a complete boycott any future matches with Pakistan, even in ICC and ACC competitions. However, with the BCCI’s stance seemingly having shifted, and Asia Cup moved to a neutral venue, the announcement India-Pakistan clash, just five months after the attack, has left fans in deep anguish.

Furthermore, the Indian government’s stance has also been scrutinized, having provided clearance to proceed with the encounter, despite the prevailing anti-Pakistan sentiments. Nonetheless, the 2025 Asia Cup is widely being viewed as a preparatory tournament for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.

Fans Angrily React to Scheduled India-Pakistan Match at the 2025 Asia Cup, Amid Tensions

The upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, which slated to host a match between India and Pakistan, has angered many Indian cricket fans amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations. The two fierce rivals are set to face each other in a group stage encounter in the UAE on September 14.

Asia Cup schedule
The 2025 Asia Cup schedule has been announced, with India set to face Pakistan on September 14. (via X)

There have been calls from India fans to boycott the Asia Cup. A segment of fans pointed to what they termed ‘selective outrage’ against engaging with Pakistan in other sports, while permitting it in cricket. They highlighted the recent controversy that erupted over Indian Olympian Neeraj Chopra inviting Pakistani javeline champion Arshad Nadeem to participate in an event in India. Others condemned the Asia Cup fixture as ‘shameful’.

Many fans also recalled the dramatic events during the ongoing World Championship of Legends, where an India-Pakistan clash was cancelled. In an act of protest aimed at the Pahalgam attack, the Indian cricket legends involved withdrew from the match as a strong statement against their rivals.