As the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash nears, the calls to boycott the match is increasing with people sharing posts on social media that they would not watch it. The reason for the boycott trend is the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in April this year when terrorists killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

India-Pakistan ties worsened soon after as New Delhi took tough diplomatic and strategic decisions against Pakistan leading to four nights of conflict. Indian armed forces succeeded with Operation Sindoor inflicting severe damage to Pakistan critical defence establishments.

The opposition parties, however, are now questioning the government’s intent over letting India play against Pak in the Asia Cup. The BCCI clarified that India won’t play with Pakistan in any bilateral tournaments, but it won’t stop it from playing the game against neighbouring countries in multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025.

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Outrage over India-Pak match, boycott call trends on X

A user shared a tragic photo of the Pahalgam attack and asked people to remember the day and captioned the post with “#BoycottINDvPAK”

Several handles which share live cricket updates have also decided to boycott the coverage. “We are passionate about covering all cricket matches to bring fans together. However, in light of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed innocent lives, I stand in solidarity with the victims and their families,” one such handle shared on X.

“Out of respect, we will not cover today’s India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. While we will continue to cover other matches with enthusiasm, this moment calls for empathy and support for those in grief,” it added.

“#BoycottINDvPAK  we are not watching this matches #terrorism and #cricket shouldn’t go together. #OperationSindoor is still on the why this cricket. #ShameOnBCCI #shameonbjp,” said another user. 

Many politicians and people in different fields have expressed desire to boycott the match.

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Who all are boycotting the India-Pak Asia Cup match?

Former cricketer and West Bengal Sports Minister Manoj Tiwary confirmed he would boycott the high-profile India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. 

“It is a very unfortunate situation. The problem has been ongoing for years. From Pulwama to Pahalgam to Pathankot to all the numerous terrorist attacks. No Indian has forgotten this…You want to play the India vs Pakistan match in such a situation. I have never been anti-sports; I have been a Cricket player, and I am a Sports Minister,” he said, quoted by PTI.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) members has been protesting against the match for some days now and the leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray among others said they would completely boycott the match.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj slammed the Central government over the Asia Cup clash, calling it unjustifiable and against the nation’s sentiment.

“No defence is acceptable on this issue… The country has nothing to do with the Asia Cup. Children are happy to play cricket with each other in their parks,” Bhardwaj told ANI.

The outrage is not restricted to political corridors only. Amid the debate, Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) president Ashoke Pandit opposed the match, calling it a “black day” for the country and accusing organisers of “insensitivity.” 

“…a black day for this country. We cannot be this insensitive. Our cricketers should have this much shame; money is not everything. I want to say to all the cricketers that the people you play for have their hands covered with blood, and that blood is of Indians…,” he told ANI.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the decision to play cricket matches with the rival country, and sought clarity from the government. “My question to the Chief Minister of Assam, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and all of them is that you don’t have the power to refuse to play a cricket match against Pakistan, which asked for the religion of our 26 citizens in Pahalgam and shot them…” Owaisi said, speaking to the media.

Businessman Harsh Goenka shared his confusion on X asking what should he do. “India vs Pakistan tomorrow. Heart says don’t watch, mind says does it even matter, patriotism says boycott, sanity says cheer your team. Even my mai-baaps are giving mixed signals. What on earth should I do?” he added.