The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly given a green signal to not only play the Asia Cup 2025, but also decided not to pull a luminaire against Pakistan, which withdrew criticism from some sections of Indian media and former cricketers.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently revealed the highly expected schedule for the men’s Asia Cup 2025, confirming that Arch-Rival’s India and Pakistan will lock Horn on September 14 in UAE.
According to reports, as the official host of the tournament, India cannot withdraw from the Asia Cup or refuse to play against Pakistan.
During a recent ACC meeting held in Dhaka, the Indian Cricket Board allegedly gave a nod to continue as planned, which effectively excluded the possibility of a boycott.
With reference to sources, reports suggest that following BCCI’s formal approval, withdrawing from either the tournament or the high profiled luminaire against Pakistan is no longer a sustainable option.
“BCCI cannot retire from the tournament or the match now.
Officials of the Indian Board confirmed that internal discussions were held at the official level and that all decisions were made after these consultations.
Remarkably, BCCI has not issued any statements suggesting a boycott – neither during nor after the meeting, nor since the release of the official schedule.
However, the situation escalated after the schedule was announced.
Indian media strongly criticized their own cricket board and the government with renewed calls to boycott the Pakistan fight – drawing parallels with similar feelings expressed under the World Champions League.
Adding to the noise, several previously Indian cricketers have openly expressed their rejection of playing against Pakistan in the middle of the current political climate.
The eight-team tournament will start on September 9 with a curtain raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
This edition of the continental event will follow the T20 format, which serves as a crucial warming in front of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-host of India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, on the other hand, begins their campaign against Oman on September 12, whereas the final group phase match planned for September 17 against UAE.
Depending on the results, the two sides could meet each other again in the super four phase and potentially in the final-what means fans could witness up to three meetings between the Arch rivals during the tournament.
