BCCI adopts ‘invisible boycott’ for India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match amid public backlash

With emotions running high after the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI has chosen to keep senior officials away from the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash.

Team India (Image Credit: BCCI)

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of cricket’s biggest spectacles, but this year’s Asia Cup clash comes under a cloud of controversy. In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the heightened emotions around Operation Sindoor, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to adopt what insiders are calling an “invisible boycott.” Instead of pulling India out of the fixture, senior board members will deliberately keep a low profile, staying away from the spotlight when the two sides face off.

This approach is meant to balance two delicate responsibilities. On one hand, India’s participation in multinational tournaments is bound by ICC and ACC commitments. On the other, public sentiment at home is deeply sensitive, with many fans questioning the need to engage with Pakistan on the cricket field so soon after the attack. The BCCI’s quiet distancing is therefore being viewed as a symbolic gesture, signaling disapproval without withdrawing from the competition.

Reports suggest that key officials, including the secretary, treasurer, and joint secretary, have decided against traveling for the marquee game. The intention is simple: avoid being seen in celebratory or public roles during the match, thereby sidestepping possible criticism. However, a few administrative figures connected with the Asian Cricket Council may still be present in Dubai in an official capacity.

Also read: INDvsPAK H2H Stats: Who has won more against each other in Asia Cup?

Interestingly, this strategy also extends to media presence. Board representatives are unlikely to appear on broadcast cameras or in promotional activities around the contest. The move is designed to ensure that the BCCI’s involvement in the match remains strictly administrative, not symbolic of endorsement. Insiders hint that if India emerges victorious, officials may be more willing to acknowledge the result publicly, but until then, discretion is the chosen path.

Should India vs Pakistan match be boycotted?

The timing of the decision is crucial. Both India and Pakistan began their Asia Cup campaigns with convincing wins, and anticipation for the encounter is sky-high. Yet the BCCI’s restrained role has shifted attention off the field as well, sparking debates about the intersection of politics and sport.

Ultimately, the “invisible boycott” reflects an attempt to navigate turbulent waters, allowing cricket to continue while recognizing the mood of the nation. Whether fans see this as a meaningful protest or an inadequate compromise will only become clear once the match unfolds.

Also read: Star India player pulls-off spectacular one-handed catch in fielding drill ahead of IND vs PAK clash in Asia Cup 2025

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