The Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI) would have given a green signal not only to play the 2025 Asian Cup, but also decided not to withdraw a match against Pakistan, which sparked criticism from certain Indian media sections and former cricket players.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently unveiled the highly anticipated calendar of the 2025 Asian Asian Cup, confirming that India and Pakistan at Arch Rivals and Pakistan will see horns on September 14.
According to reports, India, as an official tournament host, cannot withdraw from the Asian Cup or refuse to play against Pakistan.
During a recent ACCA meeting held in Dacca, the Indian Cricket Board of Directors would have made a head to continue as planned, effectively excluding the possibility of a boycott.
Citing sources, the reports suggest that the rest of the formal approval of the BCCI, withdraw from the tournament or the high -level match against Pakistan is no longer a viable option.
“The BCCI cannot withdraw from the tournament or the match now. The decision was agreed after the meeting of the ACC. Since India is the host nation, nothing can be changed at this stage. An official discussion took place, and the result was decided accordingly. The match will go as expected”, the sources of BCCI were cited on Sunday.
Indian council officials confirmed that internal discussions had taken place at the official level and that all decisions were made as a result of these consultations.
In particular, the BCCI has not published any statement suggesting a boycott – either during or after the meeting, or since the publication of the official calendar.
However, the situation intensified after the schedule was announced.
The Indian media have strongly criticized their own cricket and government council, with calls renewed to boycott the Pakistani match – establishing parallels with similar feelings expressed at the World Champions League.
Adding to the noise, several former Indian cricket players have openly expressed their disapproval of playing against Pakistan in the middle of the current political climate.
The eight team tournament will start on September 9 with a curator of curtain between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
This edition of the continental event will follow the T20 format, serving as a crucial warm-up before the T20 ICC 2026 World Cup, co-organized by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will start its campaign against Oman on September 12, while the final match of groups of groups is scheduled for September 17 against the United Arab Emirates.
According to the results, the two parties could again compete in the super oven stage and potentially in the final – which means that fans could attend three meetings between the arc rivals during the tournament.
