‘If not bilateral, don't play in international events’: BCCI slammed over India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed that the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with India and Pakistan slated to lock horns on September 14. The announcement was made by the current ACC chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who posted the dates on social media.

The decision to host the tournament in the UAE was taken during the ACC meeting on July 24. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the official host of the tournament, the matches are being shifted to a neutral venue because India and Pakistan have agreed not to play in each other’s countries until at least 2027 due to political tensions.

However, India and Pakistan will still face each other in the Asia Cup. As per the broadcaster agreements, both teams will be placed in the same group and are also likely to meet again in the Super Six stage. If both teams qualify for the final, a third clash is possible, meaning fans could witness India vs Pakistan three times in the tournament.

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BCCI slammed for double standards on IND-PAK clash

The announcement has sparked strong political and public reactions in India. Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin questioned the logic of playing Pakistan in ICC and ACC events while refusing to play bilateral series. “If you’re not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn’t play in international events too,” he said, calling out the double standards of the BCCI and the government.

Several politicians also slammed the BCCI and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera slammed the timing of the announcement as it came on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP, also lashed out at the BCCI.

आज कारगिल दिवस पर भारत पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट मैच की तारीख़ की घोषणा हो गई।
कुछ दिन पहले गृहमंत्री जी कह रहे थे कि बम और बातचीत एक साथ नहीं चल सकते।

लेकिन क्रिकेट तो चल सकता है क्योंकि ये उनका बेटा चलाता है।

बहिष्कार गैंग अब गृह मंत्री का बॉयकॉट करेगा या मैच का मज़ा लेगा? pic.twitter.com/WdgmukNQm3

— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) July 26, 2025

Dear @bcci
Remember all of us Indians will protest any engagement with Pakistan on the cricket ground whichever country you move this to.
Stop your profit over the blood of Indians and Armed Forces. On one hand India’s CDS has said Operation Sindoor is ongoing and on the other… pic.twitter.com/lmdhLFB8sy

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) July 26, 2025

Former Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha also accused broadcasters and cricket boards of exploiting the India-Pakistan rivalry for TRPs.

In all these multilateral league/knockout tournaments you will find something predictable: A guaranteed India vs Pakistan match.

It is also usually on a weekend.

TRP/ moolah is assured, even if the contest has become terribly one-sided for long. After the recent…

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) July 26, 2025

Despite the backlash, the BCCI is yet to make a statement on the matter. Earlier, a cricket match involving former cricketers from India and Pakistan was called off after criticism on social media. The match was supposed to be played in England in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.