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Can India Still Withdraw From The Asia Cup Clash Against Pakistan?

Arnav Chopra

India vs Pakistan (Source: @BCCI, @CallMeSheri1_/X.com)India vs Pakistan (Source: @BCCI, @CallMeSheri1_/X.com)

With a few days left for the intense India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, there is still an uproar from the fans and people in the country after the Indian government allowed the men's side to feature against their rivals. Ahead of the big clash, there are some voices from former players and politicians who have criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to feature in this game against India's arch-enemies.

What Happens If Indian Players Boycott The Pakistan Game?

It came as a late decision by the Indian government, which allowed the BCCI to let the Indian cricket team participate in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, where the men's side are slated to play Pakistan in Dubai on the 14th of September. However, despite getting clearance from the government, fans and people are protesting against the decision, as they want the Indian team to boycott playing against Pakistan in this clash.

For the unversed, India and Pakistan engaged in a serious war a few months ago in May, all of this succeeding a Pakistani terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. The governments have since maintained a cold shoulder, and there have been disagreements between former cricketers and fans of both nations.

Interestingly, since then, both boards have decided that they will only play at neutral venues and not at each other's home venues, especially during the multilateral tournaments, as the Indian government has categorically denied permission to participate in the bilateral series against Pakistan. However, despite that, there has been some rising tension among the masses as India will be up against them in a crucial group stage match.

What Could Be The Implications If Indian Players Forfeit The Game

Previously, during the recent World Championship of Legends (WCL), former Indian players who were part of the Indian Champions side boycotted playing against the Pakistan Champions in the tournament, resulting in the Indian team forfeiting their group stage game. In the semi-final clash, they were knocked out of the tournament, considering they also didn't turn up for this encounter, as Pakistan progressed to the final.

Something similar could happen this time around as well, where if the Indian team decides to boycott the game, it would be considered a forfeit, and the points would be awarded to the Pakistan side.

Furthermore, in the event that both teams again feature in the finale, the Pakistan team will be awarded the trophy, as the Indian team would have forfeited in all three games, including the Group and Super 4 stages.

Is There A Chance That The Game Will Be Called Off?

Despite getting all the clearances and approvals from the sports ministry and the government, alongside the BCCI, there is still a percentage chance that a few players might back out of the game, considering the backlash and tensions within both sides.

However, the chances of this happening are highly slim, as Indian players in the past have avoided being the centre of controversy and have always adhered to the government guidelines. Boycotting the match by a single player would mean that the player would be going against the government's order, as the cricketers are mandated to feature in this game if selected.

Whereas from the Pakistan side, there hasn't been any intimidation or anything from the fans or the government, who have agreed to feature in the Indian clash, and there is no chance that they would at any stage back out of this important game. With the situation as of now, the Asia Cup match will go ahead without any major trouble, unless and until something serious pans out in the coming days.