Nationalist boycott Asia Cup – BCCI flirts with PCB

The third clash between India and Pakistan in a span of two weeks—first in the round-robin stage, second in the Super Four, and the third being played today as the Asia Cup Final—has become a focal point in cricket and beyond.

Although India emerged victorious in the first two encounters of the series, winning the final is crucial to avoid backlash at home.The Government of India offered excuses reminiscent of a school student’s leave letter citing a grandmother’s illness, which have found few takers. The response that “Pakistan will get points if India forfeits the tournament” is widely considered insensitive and has come across as a weak defence of BCCI.

Despite its authority, the BCCI should have at least asked for a change in the groupings to avoid playing Pakistan in the league matches.The Indian team’s aggressive gestures intended to pacify boycotting fans fell flat. Mr Suryakumar Yadav’s dedication to the Pahalgam victims during the presentation did not generate the expected excitement or support from fans.

Indian supporters, who have been seething with anger ever since the schedule was announced, have voiced their agony on social media, but the powerful cricket board ignored their distress.

Against this backdrop, today’s final is being played, and even if Pakistan finishes as runners-up, they will receive a significant amount in prize money, which many fear could be used in activities against India.

Notably, there is no international pressure on India to play after the Pahalgam tragedy; in fact, organisers of the World Championship of Legends cancelled a match between the two nations respecting Indian fans’ sentiments.

Regardless of today’s outcome, the credibility and respect that the Indian team has built over decades may suffer due to playing against Pakistan. While Indian fans supported the team even in the aftermath of the match-fixing scandal, this time their anger is personal, and the team may not enjoy the same adulation that followed their World Cup triumph.