Asia Cup 2025: Will BCCI forfeit India's matches against Pakistan

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is set to reignite in September this year, following the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) confirmation of the 2025 Asia Cup schedule last week. The two teams are scheduled to meet on September 14 in a Group A clash. If both progress to the final, fans could witness up to two more high-stakes encounters. However, the announcement sparked widespread criticism on social media after India’s sports ministry placed the decision in the hands of the BCCI, leaving the final call to the cricket board.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI had delayed confirming India’s participation in the tournament, putting the Asia Cup at risk of cancellation while awaiting government clearance. That uncertainty ended last week when ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi released the full tournament schedule.

A source from the sports ministry clarified, “Currently, the BCCI does not fall under the ministry’s jurisdiction, as the National Sports Governance Bill has yet to be passed. So, while the ministry has no formal say, we will observe how the BCCI responds to public opinion.”

If India decides not to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, they are within their rights to forfeit the match. However, this would be recorded as a walkover under tournament rules, with Pakistan receiving full points — a setback for the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side.

“This isn’t a bilateral series; it’s part of a multi-nation tournament. A forfeit would hand Pakistan a clear advantage, essentially giving them a free win — something we’d want to avoid,” sources explained, adding that the match is unlikely to be cancelled.

Earlier this month, a similar situation arose when the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team declined to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends’ second season in Birmingham, following heavy criticism from fans.