India and Pakistan will clash on September 14 in Dubai in Asia Cup.
26 people lost their lives when terrorists attacked the innocent people enjoying their vacation in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Men were gunned down after reportedly being asked their religion, and this led to India launching Operation Sindoor as Pakistan attacked India with drones in May this year.
India hit multiple air force bases in Pakistan and also destroyed several hideouts of terror outfits in Pakistan, as per reports.
But since the schedule of the Asia Cup 2025 was announced and it was revealed that India will play Pakistan on September 14 and possibly two more times in the second and final if they qualify, there has been vocal opposition from Indian citizens to the encounter.
BCCI and Team India have been urged to boycott the game, but the Indian board is following the Indian government’s directives that allow India to face Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments but ban any bilateral cricketing ties.
It appears that the 'boycott buzz' around the match has even permeated the Indian dressing room, as NDTV sources in Dubai describe the atmosphere in the camp as 'somber.'
Fans are not expected to engage in sloganeering or other such behavior because the match will be held at the Dubai International Stadium; however, once the game begins, some "symbolic protests" by the Indian team members may be seen.
Black armbands, handshake snubs, and other potential forms could be used as symbolic protests.
Even the senior BCCI executives are aware of the mood among cricket fans. Therefore, the board and its players may choose to use the Asia Cup match as a means of communicating to the world the feelings that each and every Indian has for Pakistan.
(NDTV report)