Team India: The cricket match between India and Pakistan has always been interesting and exciting. But for the last decade, no bilateral series has been played between the two countries. The two teams have come face-to-face only in big events like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). This is the reason why enthusiasm was always seen among the fans regarding the India vs Pakistan match. But this time the story is different. In the Asia Cup 2025, a league match is to be played between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, 14 September, but the opposition to the match is increasing on social media and among cricket lovers.
Why is there a boycott?
The major reason behind this protest is being told to be the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, resentment against Pakistan has increased in India. Many people believe that India should not have any kind of sports-cultural contact with Pakistan. The government has already made it clear that there will be no bilateral series between the two countries, but since big tournaments like the Asia Cup are multinational, the Indian team has to play against Pakistan. This is what is bothering the fans, and they are registering their protest from BCCI to the players.
Anger among players, too
An unspoken tension is visible within the Indian cricket team before the match. There is a discussion among the players that a symbolic protest should be done before playing against Pakistan. According to a report by NDTV, the members of Team India have talked to head coach Gautam Gambhir about this. The players want them to register their protest by not shaking hands, wearing a black band, or in some other way while entering the field. However, Gautam Gambhir has clearly told the players that the focus should be only on the game. The match is being played in Dubai, so the team will not have any control over the sloganeering or protests by the fans. Still, the feeling of patriotism and protest can be clearly seen in the minds of the players.
A match, which will become a platform for the message
The top officials of BCCI are also aware of this mindset. The board believes that it can be made an opportunity to express the feelings of the country, not just a game. The presence of the Indian team on a platform like the Asia Cup can send a message to the whole world that the people of the country stand against the terrorist activities of Pakistan. Even if the players follow the rules of the game, they can still clarify their position by making symbolic protests on the field. Such steps will not only send a message of patriotism but will also show that India stands firmly against any terrorist activity or violence.
Will the thrill of the match fade?
Where earlier the India-Pakistan match used to be full of enthusiasm and craze of cricket lovers, this time the atmosphere has become serious and emotional. Political tension on the field, the impact of terrorist attacks, and the feeling of patriotism have given a new definition to the match. Will this game lose its traditional thrill, or will it create a new kind of identity? Only time will tell. But it is certain that this Asia Cup match is no longer just a game of cricket but has become a big platform for national sentiment and political messages.