The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) understands the delicate nature of the situation, which involves another India vs. Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, just a few months after the Pahalgam terror attack, and Indian fans are expected to boycott the final on Sunday.
The BCCI has been under fire from Indian fans for permitting the squad to play matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The wounds of the Pahalgam incident, in which 25 Indian residents died in April 2025, are still fresh in people's memories.
BCCI has reportedly realized how controversial it can be if their officials attend the final of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai and has decided on an “invisible boycott” strategy. No high-profile BCCI officials would be at the Dubai International Stadium or at the presentation ceremony.
This would be in stark contrast to how BCCI authorities acted during the Champions Trophy 2025, when India faced Pakistan in February 2025. During the game, BCCI executives, including former president Anurag Thakur and ICC chairman Jay Shah, were seen sharing the stands with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former player Shahid Afridi.
Additionally, all eyes will be on the Indian team, in case they win the Asia Cup 2025, as PCB chief and ACC chair Mohsin Naqvi is set to hand over the winner’s trophy. Even if India doesn’t win the trophy, Naqvi is expected to give a trophy to an Indian player.
Regarding the boycott of the post-match presentation ceremony, the BCCI has yet to make a final decision.
“As of now, the information is that he will come this evening, and obviously, as ACC chairman, he will be giving away the winner’s trophy. Let’s see what the BCCI decides," a tournament insider told news agency PTI.
The India-Pakistan final will be played in Dubai on September 28, 2025, at 8 pm IST.
