The cricketing world is abuzz as India prepares to play Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup, even as political and public sentiments remain charged in the aftermath of recent terror incidents. The decision to go ahead with the match has triggered widespread debate across the nation.
Multilateral commitments and governing body decisions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is moving forward with the Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan following an agreement reached at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting. With the ACC’s official schedule placing India and Pakistan in the same group, the BCCI confirmed that the match will take place as planned, with no option for unilateral withdrawal at this stage. This decision is consistent with India’s historical approach of maintaining sporting ties with Pakistan at global or multilateral events, despite refusing to engage bilaterally for over a decade.
Olympic ambitions and the Olympic Charter
A key factor influencing India’s consent to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup is its long-term ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. According to Rule 44 of the Olympic Charter, host nations must not discriminate against any country in international sporting competitions on political, religious, or racial grounds. India’s willingness to play Pakistan in ACC and ICC events signals the nation’s compliance with global sporting norms, a move that could strengthen its Olympic bid.
Government and sports bodies’ stance
The Indian government, while vocally condemning recent terror attacks, has clarified that it does not object to Indian teams facing Pakistan in multilateral events held outside India. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently reiterated that the government’s policy allows such engagements as long as they are in accordance with the regulations of international governing bodies. This position is evidenced by India’s recent approval of the Pakistan hockey team’s participation in the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup Hockey tournament, as well as continued scheduling of India-Pakistan contests in women’s cricket World Cups.
Public, political and sporting backlash
Despite official approvals, the decision has faced intense criticism from citizens, politicians, and sporting personalities. Calls for a boycott have grown louder on social media and within Parliament, with several MPs and former players arguing it would be inappropriate to play Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack. Arguments centre on the perception that playing against Pakistan diminishes national sentiment and undermines the sacrifices of those affected by cross-border violence.
Contrasts in approach to bilateral and multilateral ties
Cricketing icons such as Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin have weighed in, emphasising the difference between bilateral series—which remain suspended—and multilateral tournaments, where international obligations limit India’s flexibility. Some critics argue that if India refuses bilateral games, it should avoid multilateral encounters as well. However, others, like Ganguly, stress that sport must go on, even as the nation remains uncompromising on issues of terrorism and national security.
A complex balancing act ahead
The Asia Cup, with India and Pakistan scheduled to meet on 14 September in the United Arab Emirates, stands as a test of India’s ability to balance international sporting commitments, strategic diplomatic interests, and deep public emotions. The upcoming contest will not only be watched for the stakes on the field but also for the manner in which the Indian cricket board, government, and society navigate this sensitive and high-profile rivalry.
