Asia Cup 2025: Poonam Pandey Predicts Winner, Quips 'Main Zinda Hoon Aur...'

The

much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place today, September 14. While matches between the two cricketing giants typically draw massive viewership and national fervour, this time the mood is more sombre. In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, public sentiment has shifted, with many calling for a boycott of the match. Now, actress and model Poonam Pandey has taken to the Mumbai streets as she cheered for team India and said 'India hi jeetegi.' She also took a jibe at her controversies, including the death hoax.

Poonam Pandey roots for team India says 'India hi jeetegi' ahead of India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025

Taking to her official Instagram handle on Sunday, she shared a video of herself taking on Mumbai streets with placards that had interesting texts, cheering for team India. One of the placards read, "Main Poonam Pandey, Main zinda hoon aur India jeetne wali hai. #IndiaHiJeetega." She held another placard which read, "Even my controversies last longer than Pakistan's batting. #IndiaHiJeetega." She grabbed the attention of Mumbaikars with the placard, with many joining her and cheering for team India.In the caption to her post, Poonam called the match controversial and wrote, "Took to the crowded Mumbai streets today, clearly intrigued fans and why?! Well, stating it LOUD & CLEAR “India🇮🇳 Hi Jeetega" All set for today’s most controversial (than me too) Cricket Match!!! Are you?!"Take a look:

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A post shared by Poonam Pandey (@poonampandeyreal)

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Suniel Shetty's reaction to India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025

Suniel Shetty, whose son-in-law is Indian cricketer KL Rahul, also weighed in on the situation. Speaking about the growing controversy, he emphasised the complexities involved, “It’s a world sporting body. They have to abide by its rules and regulations, because many athletes and sports are involved. As Indians, it’s a personal decision - whether to watch, not watch, attend or stay away. That’s a call India has to make.”Shetty defended the players, underlining that they’re fulfilling their professional responsibilities, “You cannot blame the cricketers, they are sportsmen representing the country. If I choose not to watch the match, that’s my decision. But it’s not in the hands of the BCCI. This is governed by international sporting bodies, and no one can be individually blamed.”

Why the Boycott?

The tension surrounding today's match comes from recent political and military developments. This will be the first India-Pakistan encounter since the nations came dangerously close to armed conflict in May 2025. That escalation followed the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed numerous lives and triggered widespread outrage across India. Though a ceasefire was eventually brokered by international mediators, the emotional wounds remain fresh.