BCCI to take final call on India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025; withdrawal could hurt India's chances: Report

The Asia Cup 2025 schedule, in which India and Pakistan have been pitted in the same group , has led to a major controversy as former cricketers and politicians call for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the matches against the neighbouring country. The anger among the Indians in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack is still prevalent, as former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin recently said that India must boycott international matches against Pakistan .

However, the BCCI is yet to officially speak on the matter. It has often followed the Indian government’s directive when it comes to international cricket against Pakistan, but has never refused to play against their bitter rivals in International Cricket Council (ICC) or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was played in the 2012-13 season.

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A Sports Ministry source has confirmed that the Indian government will not have any say on the participation in matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, as the BCCI doesn’t fall under its purview. The India vs Pakistan match is slated for 14 September. They can also face each other in the Super Four round and then in the final.

“As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn’t have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment,” a sports ministry source told news agency PTI.

BCCI, however, may still go ahead and boycott the Pakistan game at the tournament due to the prevailing public sentiment, but that will impact India’s chances at the tournament, which starts on 9 September.

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Any boycott will be considered as a walkover, with Pakistan getting full points from the match.

“This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable,” a source told NDTV.

This could force India to go ahead with their matches against Pakistan if they participate in the Asia Cup 2025.