The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is scheduled to resume later this year in September. This comes after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) last week approved the calendar for the 2025 Asia Cup. The two teams are scheduled to play each other in the Group A match on September 14. The two will meet for a second clash in the Super 4 on September 21, provided if they qualify. A third match between the arch rivals is also on the card but it will only happen if both nations make it to the final, which will be played on September 28.
But the development set off a social media firestorm of protest, with the Indian sports ministry throwing the ball in the BCCI's court to make the final call. The Pahalgam terror assault on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, sparked the public outrage. A military confrontation between the two countries ensued after the incident, during which India carried out Operation Sindoor.
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Following this, the BCCI put a hold on confirming India's participation in the Asia Cup, pushing the tournament to the brink of cancellation as the board awaited clearance from the government. The uncertainty was finally put to rest last week when ACC chief, also the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi, announced the tournament schedule.
"As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn't have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment," a sports ministry source told PTI.
What would happen if India decline to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup?
According to a report in NDTV, India does have the option to forfeit the match against Pakistan. However, doing so would come at a cost for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, as tournament rules dictate that a forfeit would be treated as a walkover, awarding the designated points to Pakistan.
"This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable," sources told the channel, confirming that the match is unlikely to be cancelled.
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