From Opposition to Approval: India’s Evolving Stance on Playing Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

India to play against Pakistan in Asia Cup

The journey from initial resistance to official clearance for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash has been one of the most dramatic shifts in recent cricket history. What began with calls for boycott after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 culminated in a government policy reversal, allowing the match to proceed in Dubai on September 14.

Initial Boycott Calls

Tensions peaked following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives and prompted Operation Sindoor, a military retaliation against cross-border militants. Against this backdrop, six Indian legends players—Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan—refused to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, forcing organizers to advance Pakistan directly to the final.

Harbhajan’s Plea

Harbhajan's view in India vs Pakistan

Harbhajan Singh emerged as the most vocal critic of India facing Pakistan. He argued that while soldiers sacrificed their lives at the border, cricketers entertained across enemy lines. His powerful refrain—"Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte" —captured the moral conflict felt by many and ignited a broader boycott debate.

Government’s Policy Shift

On August 20, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced a new framework distinguishing between bilateral and multilateral events. The policy barred direct bilateral matches but allowed participation in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup. A senior official clarified that “Indian teams will not play bilateral events in Pakistan, nor will Pakistan teams play in India, but multilateral events governed by international bodies may proceed.”

This balanced approach upheld security concerns while maintaining India's wider athletic commitments. Additionally, it strengthened India's desire to host international events by expediting international officials' and teams' visa requirements.

Strategic Implications

The bilateral-versus-multilateral distinction sets a lasting precedent for Indo-Pak sporting ties. It provides adaptability to handle upcoming geopolitical conflicts while preserving India’s status as a credible host for international events. The hybrid model used by the BCCI and PCB during the ICC 2024–27 cycle, which confines rivalry matches to neutral venues, provided an operational blueprint for this policy.

Road to September 14

Dubai's International Cricket Stadium 

Despite initial opposition and emotional debates, the September 14 clash at Dubai’s iconic stadium received official approval, marking a victory for pragmatic sports diplomacy over nationalist sentiment. The evolution from boycott threats to confirmed participation underscores cricket’s unique role in Indo-Pak relations—simultaneously a flashpoint and a potential bridge for dialogue. Fans worldwide now await what promises to be another riveting chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry, where sport transcends politics and unites millions in shared passion.