BCCI set for ‘invisible boycott’ of Asia Cup title clash against Pakistan: Reports

India and Pakistan will collide for the third time at Asia Cup 2025 (AP Photo)

For its matches against Pakistan in the current Asia Cup in UAE, the BCCI has adopted what has been called a "invisible boycott" strategy. On Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India and Pakistan will face off in the continental competition finale. Reports state that BCCI would stick to their "invisible boycott" strategy as no board representative will be present at the venue to grace the meeting.

This boycott approach was initially considered prior to India vs Pakistan in Group A. Because of the continuous animosity between the two nations, the BCCI chose to keep high office-bearers away from cameras rather than completely cancel the match.

The absence of BCCI officials looks like a direct response to public sentiment. In recent weeks, several fan groups across India have amplified boycott campaigns, urging the board not to lend symbolic support to the contest.

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This stance marks a sharp contrast to earlier this year, when the same venue hosted an India-Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy. On that occasion, the stands were filled not only with fans but also with a large contingent of BCCI dignitaries and state association heads. Their absence this time underscores the weight of the current political climate.

India and Pakistan have faced off in two Asia Cup matches so far in this edition. In their Group A clash, Salman Agha's team lost to the Men in Blue by 7 wickets. When the two sides faced off again in the Super Fours, India won by a margin of 6 wickets.

Suryakumar Yadav has guided the young Indian team admirably despite not scoring many runs throughout the event. With three half-centuries in six games, Abhishek Sharma has been India's standout player. Kuldeep Yadav has been excellent with the ball with 13 wickets at an average of 9.85 in six games. Both players have won two Player of the Match awards each as India have maintained a perfect record in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan, on the other hand, advanced to the Super Fours with victories over Oman and UAE. The Men in Green had their backs against the wall following their loss to India in the Super Four stage. They faced Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in two crucial matches. Pakistan secured a spot in the summit match by winning both games.

In terms of batting, Pakistan will be depending on Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a half-century in their last encounter against India. They will also rely on Shaheen Afridi for early breakthroughs. He was named Player of the Match in the previous game against Bangladesh.