Ahead of the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the Men in Blue might be cooking up some unconventional techniques to protest against the terror attacks on Pahalgam symbolically.
India have not played Pakistan in bilateral tournaments across all formats of the game for over a decade now. However, they have been part of several ICC as well as ACC events, which include the World Cups as well as the Asia Cup.
This time around as well, after immense controversies, Pakistan and India are scheduled to play against each other in the Asia Cup match on the 14th of September. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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Pahalgam attack cited as the main reason behind public outrage over the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup
In the last decade of international cricket, there has always been immense anticipation built around the India-Pakistan contest. The two nations are known to have a years-long rivalry in the game and have always been great competitors.
Recently, in April 2025, a terror attack took place in the Pahalgam valley, where several militants entered a public place in Kashmir and killed several Hindu men. The responsibility for these attacks was taken by Pakistan-based militant groups.
As a result of this, the Indian government also went on to take some serious steps against the Pakistani militant groups. India launched a war against their neighbouring nation. As a result of this, the relationship between the two countries was constrained further.
The ICT fans, as well as the BCCI and the Indian government, were initially against the Indian cricket team playing against Pakistan. However, they later had to reconsider their plans owing to certain obligations.
Handshake snub, black armbands! India are planning an explosive protest to humiliate Pakistan
Several players, fans, and the people of India have criticized the Board of Control for Cricket for agreeing to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. A report from NDTV has claimed that the ‘boycott chatter’ has infiltrated the dressing room.
The Dubai International Stadium will be lit up by many fans; however, sloganeering or such acts of public outrage are not expected to take place. They might put up some ‘symbolic protests,’ as the Indian cricketers might get involved in the same.
The players and the coaching staff might be ignoring handshakes from Pakistan players, donning black armbands, and several other dimensions could also come into play. The mood of the people is well-known to all the BCCI members and the Indian cricket players, and hence, they might cite this Asia Cup as a platform to send a message to the entire world.
Indian coach urged all to focus on cricket
The Indian fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has provided a dressing room update from the Indian side. He has revealed that Gambhir has urged the players to focus on the game rather than worrying about things that are not in their control.
The Indian government had advised the BCCI to grant permission to the Indian team, since, as per the rules, they cannot withdraw from playing against a single opposition without losing points. Also, India is one of the most widely known venues for multinational events in international cricket, and for that, India have to show an unbiased attitude towards every cricket-playing nation.
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