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Several major Indian opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and others, have called for a boycott of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match scheduled for September 14, 2025, citing national security concerns and the recent tragic terror attack in Kashmir.The match comes just 145 days after a Pakistan-backed terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed, mostly tourists. Opposition leaders argue that holding a cricket match with Pakistan so soon disrespects the victims and national sentiments
Congress leader Ajay Rai urged the Supreme Court to intervene and stop the match, pointing to public feelings and safety concerns. AAP leaders, including former MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, protested by burning a Pakistan-labelled effigy. Bharadwaj appealed to the public to boycott establishments screening the match and condemned the government for making Indian players compete against Pakistan soon after the attack.
Families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims, including Aishanya Dwivedi (wife of victim Shubham Dwivedi), also requested people not to watch or attend the match, criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allowing the fixture .Former cricketer Kedar Jadhav publicly stated he believed the match should not be played under the current circumstances.AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the government for prioritizing money over the lives lost in the attack, questioning political leaders for not cancelling the match and standing in solidarity with the victims.Despite the controversy and boycott calls, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the government have permitted the match to proceed. The game will be live-streamed on Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv, and FanCode apps at 20:00 IST on September 14.
This match has sparked a significant political and social debate, placing the competing interests of nationalism, public sentiment, and sports diplomacy at the forefront
