Asia Cup 2025 promo for India vs Pakistan match sparks backlash

With the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, a promotional video released by Sony Sports Network has ignited a storm of criticism, putting Virender Sehwag and the BCCI in the spotlight. 

The video, aimed at hyping the much-anticipated India–Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai, has sparked a massive backlash from fans, many threatening to boycott the tournament.

Backlash Over the Promo

The clip, featuring India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, former cricketer Virender Sehwag, and Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, was meant to build excitement but instead triggered outrage. Fans called the promo “insensitive” amid strained diplomatic ties following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which had initially pushed the BCCI to reconsider participation.

CLICK TO WATCH PROMO

BCCI and ACC Under Fire

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the Asia Cup schedule earlier this month after weeks of speculation, with ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi announcing dates and venues. The possibility of India and Pakistan facing each other up to three times during the tournament only fueled the anger further.

Government Clarifies Policy

Amid the uproar, the Indian Sports Ministry reiterated its policy: no bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, but participation in multilateral tournaments will continue.

“We will not stop the Indian cricket team from playing in the Asia Cup as it is a multilateral event,” said a ministry source.

As the controversy grows, the pressure on both the BCCI and broadcasters continues to mount, even as Team India prepares for its opening match on September 10 in the UAE.