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

India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage match of the Asia Cup on Sunday. However, the high-octane match is surrounded by protests and opposition across various parts of the country. 

Many Indians have reportedly raised questions about why India is playing against Pakistan, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Several people in many parts of the country have also taken to the streets in protest.

Cities such as Hyderabad, Lucknow, and many other parts of the country, witnessed demonstrations against India participating in the match. Families of those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack have also expressed strong objections over this encounter.

A growing number of people have called for a boycott of the match, voicing criticism towards both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian players for agreeing to participate in the game against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, no official statement has come from the BCCI yet. However, former BCCI President and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur stated that the tournament's rules must be followed if a team participates. Thakur further emphasized that playing the match against Pakistan is necessary for remaining in the tournament.