India-Pakistan cricket match on September 14 draws backlash amid rising political tensions and memories of the Pahalgam terror attack.
High-Stakes Cricket Match Triggers Political Storm
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 14, has ignited political controversy in India. The clash, set to take place just four months after the Pahalgam terror attack, has revived a fierce debate on whether India should engage with Pakistan on the sporting field amid ongoing tensions.
- The Asia Cup 2025 will begin on September 9.
- India vs Pakistan group stage match is slated for Sunday, September 14.
- Both teams are expected to reach the Super Four stage, with a possible rematch — even a third encounter if both reach the final.
Backdrop: Pahalgam Terror Attack & Escalating Tensions
On April 22, at least 26 people were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, allegedly executed by Pakistan-based militants. The incident was followed by Indian military strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- The attack has led to a surge in anti-Pakistan sentiment across political and civilian circles.
- Pakistan’s alleged use of terror as a proxy tool has come under renewed scrutiny.
Opposition Slams BCCI Over Asia Cup Schedule
Opposition parties have criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for engaging in sports diplomacy while tensions with Pakistan remain unresolved.
Key Opposition Reactions:
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena – UBT):
- Condemned BCCI for prioritizing “profit over patriotism.”
- Criticized the board’s silence amid active military operations like Operation Sindoor.
- Called for public protests against any India-Pakistan match, whether domestic or abroad.
- Sukhdeo Bhagat (Congress MP from Lohardaga):
- Stated that national sentiment outweighs sports in current circumstances.
- Called for a strong policy stance before any sports engagement.
- Mohammed Azharuddin (Former Indian Captain, Congress Leader):
- Questioned the inconsistency in refusing bilateral series but participating in international fixtures with Pakistan.
- Deferred to the government’s and BCCI’s decision but emphasized the need for principled consistency.
Recent Fallout in Other Tournaments
Earlier this year, an India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (held in England) was cancelled after multiple Indian players, including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew in protest following the Pahalgam attack.
Asia Cup 2025 Announcement Coincides with Kargil Vijay Diwas
The release of the tournament schedule came on Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26) — the day India commemorates its 1999 victory over Pakistan. This added symbolic weight to the controversy, further intensifying the political narrative.
Conclusion: Cricket or Country First?
The India-Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 14 is not just a cricket event — it’s now at the center of a larger national and political debate. With mounting public and political pressure, all eyes are on the BCCI and the central government for their final stand on whether the match should proceed.
