PSL team fires back after IPL franchise boycotts India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025

PSL team hits back after IPL franchise boycotts India vs Pakistan. (AP Photo)

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to lock horns on September 14 in Dubai in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This match will mark their first on-field meeting since the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April, where 26 civilians lost their lives after gunmen opened fire at tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam.

The attack heightened political tensions between the two nations, and its shadow looms large over the cricketing arena. A section of Indian fans and celebrities has launched a boycott campaign, urging people not to watch or follow the match as a form of protest against playing Pakistan.

Also Read - IND vs PAK: 'Provide revenue and prepare them to attack us again' - Pahalgam victim’s widow slams BCCI

Amid the controversy, social media has become an unexpected battleground. On September 11, Punjab Kings — a franchise from the Indian Premier League — posted a promotional graphic for the India–Pakistan clash. However, they conspicuously left out Pakistan’s name and logo, replacing it with a blank space.

In what appeared to be a subtle counter, Karachi Kings — a team from the Pakistan Super League — responded the next day with a similar post. Their graphic showcased Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha while showing a blacked-out silhouette instead of India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Game  for Men in Green. Let’s goooo #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/t812uktDsa

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— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) September 12, 2025

The Punjab Kings post quickly went viral, drawing a mix of praise and criticism, before the franchise disabled comments on their X handle due to the backlash.

Also Read - 'We are meeting India first time post war': Shoaib Akhtar goes blunt on IND-PAK tickets slump at Asia Cup

Game  for the defending champions. Let's goooo #AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025

Originally scheduled to be hosted in India, the Asia Cup 2025 was shifted to the United Arab Emirates because of rising political tensions. Both India and Pakistan have opened their campaigns with emphatic wins — India crushed United Arab Emirates by nine wickets, while Pakistan demolished Oman by 93 runs.

With Suryakumar Yadav leading a confident Indian side, they head into Sunday’s clash as favorites. Yet, beyond the cricket, the match carries an air of political symbolism, national pride, and deep-rooted rivalry that makes every India–Pakistan encounter much more than just a sporting event.