BCCI take major call on ‘invisible boycott’ of Asia Cup final against Pakistan: Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) very well realises the delicacy of the moment, that of another India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 , just a few months after the Pahalgam terror attack, and to respect the sentiments of Indian fans, they are expected to stay away from the final on Sunday.

The BCCI has faced intense criticism from the Indian fans for allowing the team to take part in the matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The wounds of the Pahalgam attack in which 25 Indian citizens lost their lives in April 205 are still fresh in people’s minds.

BCCI to adopt ‘invisible boycott’ strategy for Asia Cup final

Realising how controversial the presence of BCCI officials during the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai could be, the Indian cricket board has reportedly decided on a “invisible boycott” strategy. No high-profile BCCI officials would be at the Dubai International Stadium or at the presentation ceremony.

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This would be in complete contrast to how BCCI officials behaved during the Champions Trophy 2025 when India played Pakistan in February 2025. During that game, BCCI officials, former president Anurag Thakur and ICC chairman Jay Shah were seen sharing the stands with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Mohsin Naqvi and former cricketer Shahid Afridi.

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It would also be interesting to see what Indian players decided to do after the final, as Naqvi is expected to hand over the winner’s trophy as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman. Even if India don’t win the trophy, Naqvi may still end up presenting some trophy to an Indian player on the stage.

On the matter of boycotting the post-match presentation ceremony, the BCCI is yet to take a final decision. “As of now, information is that he would 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 vs Pakistan match will be played from 8 PM IST on Sunday.