The India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has received numerous calls for a boycott ahead of the game in Dubai. The debate has been fuelled by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were brutally killed on the basis of their religious orientation.
The wife of one of the victims who lost his life in the attack is urging people to boycott the match, saying watching India play Pakistan is an insult to the victims’ memory. In Maharashtra, a political party has stood to fight against
the issue, arguing that the Indian government refusing to play against Pakistan is an opportunity to send a global message against terrorism.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has defended its decision. Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that, unlike bilateral cricket, where India has cut all ties with Pakistan, multilateral tournaments leave no room for unilateral boycotts without risking players’ careers and India’s sporting reputation. Former union sports minister and ex-BCCI president Anurag Thakur stressed that bilateral cricket remains off-limits, but multilateral events require participation.
5. Yograj Singh:
Former India cricketer and Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, stated that Pakistan cannot compete with India and credited the IPL for elevating Indian cricket both financially and professionally. Yograj further urged Pakistan to rebuild its cricketing system with a vision similar to that of Imran Khan, who backed struggling players during the 1992 World Cup win.
"As far as Pakistan is concerned, what will it do? It cannot compete with India. Since the IPL came to India, Indian players have become very big. Why? To get money. There is money here. It is a good thing. There should be money. Why not? Players should get money. Where there is money, there is prosperity. There is no match between Pakistan and India. It is not possible. Because the platform they play on is clay. And the sky is where we play cricket. The sky and the ground have never met. It is not possible. I think Pakistan should develop its own team and its own people. Just like we think about our players, Pakistan should also think about them. Imran Khan brought players who were struggling with poverty and backed them to play. That is why they won the World Cup. They need a thought process like Imran Khan," he said as quoted by Times Now.
4. Kedhar Jadhav:
Kedar Jadhav is another cricketer who has opposed India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan. Earlier, the former India all-rounder was also very confident that the high-profile clash would not take place as scheduled.
"I don't know what will happen, but I have already said that, according to me, this match should not be played. I don’t think the Indian team should play. I also believe India won’t play. Wherever India face them (Pakistan), they will win anyway. But this match should definitely not go ahead. I can say with confidence that it won’t happen," Jadhav had said as quoted by TOI.
3. Shikhar Dhawan:
Shikhar Dhawan is also a cricketer who has given his opinion on the ongoing debate around India’s clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. While the cricketer hasn't spoken about it specifically, but has been against engaging in any sporting activity with the arch-rivals. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Dhawan expressed his grief.
"Deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam. My heart goes out to the families who’ve lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Justice must and will be served. Please stay safe," he tweeted in the aftermath of the incident.
Earlier, he had stepped down from playing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) group-stage clash against Pakistan, alongside Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, amid public outrage. His refusal led to sharp criticism from former Pakistan cricketers, including Shahid Afridi, who called him a bad egg. Ahead of the semi-final game against Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025, the southpaw stood by his comments.
"You're asking this question at the wrong time and place you shouldn't have asked it. And as I didn't play earlier, I still won't play now," Dhawan said.
2. Manoj Tiwary:
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary voiced his opposition to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. Following the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack, Tiwary believes India should forfeit the game altogether. He stated that Pakistan has failed to take sufficient steps to curb terrorism and questioned the need to play them when other nations like Australia or England could be alternatives. He also confirmed he would not watch the match.
“No, I've earlier said that India should not play against Pakistan because the reason the terrorist attacks which happened in Pahalgam and earlier as well. See, the terrorists, they don't have any religion, to be honest. I believe they don't have any religion. They are individuals who are brainwashed to do these acts.Until unless these things are settled within the countries or we can see the efforts which they are trying to erase the terrorist organization, we should not play the game of cricket between them. Why do you want to play with Pakistan, where we can see such things happening? How easily we can forget what has happened in Pahalgam or so many instances which has happened in our country? It is sad, unfortunate that cricket has taken over human life. It should not have happened,” Tiwary told CricTracker.
1. Harbhajan Singh:
Legendary Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his opinion to boycott the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, saying cricketing ties should not resume until relations improve between the two nations.
Harbhajan also reminded that even during the World Championship of Legends, he and his teammates from India Champions had refused to compete in the game against Pakistan, and stated he would be consistent with his stand. While making it clear that he would respect the government’s decision on such matters, he stressed that diplomatic ties must take priority over sporting engagements.
“The India-Pakistan match always comes in the limelight. But after Operation Sindoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business. We did not play that match. Everyone has their own way of thinking and understanding, but I feel till the time relations between the two countries do not improve, cricket and business should not be there as well. But then, that is my thought. If the government says the match can happen, it should happen," the spinner said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
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