India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 News: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally broken its silence on the controversy over the match between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has clarified that this match is completely in line with the new policy of the Central Government and India will have to play in any multinational tournament.
Controversy arose after Pahalgam terror attack
In fact, 26 tourists were killed in an attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on 22 April in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, anger was seen among former cricketers and fans over India playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Many people were demanding a boycott of this match.
India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025: Citing government policy
Devjit Saikia said that in August the central government has issued a new policy, according to which India will participate in multinational sports events even against those countries which are not in the list of ‘friendly countries’ of India. However, India will not play bilateral series with any ‘enemy country’.
He said, “The BCCI’s stand is clear. We have to follow the formal policy of the central government. The recently issued policy clearly states that there is no ban on India playing against any country in multinational tournaments. Therefore, in the Asia Cup or any ICC tournament, we have to play all the matches.”
Fear of ban and punishment for boycott
Saikia also told that if India refuses to play against teams like Pakistan in multinational tournaments, then the country may have to suffer huge losses. He said that in such a situation, India may have to face sanctions from international sports organizations.
Giving an example, he said, “Suppose India refuses to play against an enemy country in AFC, FIFA or any athletics tournament, then strict action can be taken against the Indian association. This will also harm the players. For example, if the Athletics Federation of India is banned, then players like Neeraj Chopra will not be able to participate in any international event.”
The policy applies to all sports, not just cricket
Saikia said that this policy applies not only to cricket but also to other sports. He said, “The Government of India has made this policy keeping in mind all aspects. This policy has been made keeping in mind the interests of the players and sports. Therefore, BCCI is happily following it.”
India-Pakistan clash fixed in Asia Cup
Asia Cup 2025 is being organized in Dubai. India and Pakistan will face each other on 14 September. Although there is controversy and boycott demands regarding this match, the stand of BCCI and the central government till now is that India will have to participate in the multinational tournament under all circumstances.
