As India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match unfolds, Indians grieve and ask, WHY...?

While millions have gathered around screens to watch today’s electrifying India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, the high-octane encounter between the arch-rivals is playing out against a backdrop of deep sorrow and subdued emotion.

Just months before this marquee match, a terrorist ambush in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, claimed the lives of several innocent Indian tourists. As the match gets underway in Dubai, the mood back home is anything but celebratory.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Protests erupt across country as India-Pakistan match faces backlash

A Match in Progress, But Not in Spirit 

As of now, Pakistan is batting first, with the scoreboard not so promisingly ticking, but across India, homes, cafes, and clubs, one question is echoing:  "Why? Why? Why play with the terrorist nation Pakistan?"

In major cities, cricket screenings have been toned down, some voluntarily canceled. Flags are folded, and jerseys have been replaced with black ribbons.

"Yes, the match is on, but honestly, I can’t focus," says Ravi, one watching the game in Bhubaneswar.
"Every time a boundary is hit, I think of the soldiers who won’t return home," said Vikash, another cricket fan said.

“Cricket Can Wait, Lives Cannot”

On social media, several hashtags like demand to boycott such matches continue to trend, overtaking even live match commentary.

“Normally I'd be live-tweeting every over. Today, I just posted a candle emoji. That says it all,” wrote a popular cricket influencer.

“We play to win hearts, but today, our hearts are broken,” said Anup, a cricket fan from Jharkhand.

“Our hearts are with the families of the martyrs. Our team is playing today, but our spirit is with them,” said another cricket fan.

A Divided Mood: Patriotism, Not Playfulness 

While the cricket match continues, the message from many Indian households is clear---  'Today, cricket takes a backseat'.

“We’re not boycotting the match, but we’re also not celebrating it. Not today,” says Mrinal, watching the game with his friends in Bhubaneswar. 

Some fans have turned off TVs altogether. Others are watching silently, not out of disinterest, but out of respect.

The Match May Have a Winner, But the Nation Feels a Loss 

As the match continues and fans wait to see who will win in this age-old rivalry, many Indians believe there is no real winner today.

“We can chase totals later. Right now, we’re chasing justice,” lamented a fan capturing the national mood.