The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a wave of outrage on social media after the confirmation that India will play Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, just months after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. Many online commentators have accused the powerful cricket board of caring more about earnings, cricketing spectacle and entertainment than honouring the memory of those who lost their lives in Pahalgam.
Widespread backlash after Asia Cup announcement
The announcement of the India–Pakistan Asia Cup fixture — scheduled for September 14 in the UAE — has triggered a backlash among Indian fans. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, many of them sharply criticising the BCCI for what users describe as an insensitive decision. Prominent hashtags such as #BoycottAsiaCup began trending, with scores of users demanding the BCCI reconsider its participation in the match.
Critics accuse the BCCI of prioritising commercial and entertainment interests above national sentiment, with some users openly asking if the board values profits and high-profile matches more than the lives lost in Pahalgam. This isn’t just cricket. It’s about standing up for our people, wrote one user, echoing a sentiment felt across multiple platforms.
Controversy over BCCI’s response to the Pahalgam tragedy
The outrage intensified as many fans noted that the initial response from the BCCI and high-profile cricket events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) appeared muted. Some netizens accused the board of showing “no tribute” and questioned why the IPL continued without recognising the victims of the terror attack, while others expressed disappointment that commercial interests seemed to dominate over a show of solidarity or grief.
However, official statements from the BCCI have attempted to address the tragedy. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a strong condemnation of the “ghastly and cowardly act” in Pahalgam, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while the board also declared a moment of silence, black armbands for players and umpires, and the suspension of cheerleaders and fireworks during relevant IPL fixtures in tribute to the victims.
Calls to boycott Asia Cup amid ongoing tensions
The angry reaction is heightened by the context of heightened bilateral tensions following the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. With the wounds of the terror incident still fresh, a large section of supporters argue that sporting ties with Pakistan should remain suspended, and some have demanded the board cancel the fixture altogether saying otherwise it amounts to betraying Indian sentiment.
Despite these calls, the BCCI is yet to issue a public statement addressing the widespread outrage or clarify its stance regarding future fixtures with Pakistan, beyond standard expressions of grief.
Board’s financial priorities under scrutiny
The controversy is not new for the BCCI, which is often the subject of allegations that it prioritises financial gain. Previously, regulatory authorities and parliamentary panels have pointed out that much of the BCCI’s revenue comes not from promoting or developing cricket, but from running commercial tournaments such as the IPL. Only a small proportion of income is reportedly spent on sports promotion, while the rest is retained or distributed among state associations and board members. Accusations of commercialisation and monopolistic practices have surfaced repeatedly, fuelling further resentment among the Indian public whenever a national crisis occurs.
As the Asia Cup draws nearer and the memory of the Pahalgam attack remains vivid, public pressure continues to mount on the BCCI to reconsider its approach and respond more decisively to national sentiment.
