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The Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which is being played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is getting exciting with each passing day. The continental tournament which returned after 2023, has seen all eight teams play atleast one match so far and its now come down to one of the highly-anticipated clashes which will see India take on Pakistan for the first time in T20Is after their T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados in 2024.
While the Men in Blue, who often play Pakistan in ICC and ACC events, will lock horns with their arch-rivals for the second time this year after they met at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February. While the clash is something which has been hyped around for several decades, but things doesn’t seem to be the same this time around.
BCCI plans invisible boycott of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match: Reports
While a cloud of controversy continues to loom over the fixture, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly planned an invisible boycott. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, no senior BCCI office bearer has traveled to Dubai for the high-octane clash despite India being designated the hosts of the tournament. While the absence of BCCI officials appear to be a direct response, several fan groups and media houses have refrained for covering the fixture.
Furthermore, reports also add that Rajeev Shukla might be present as a representative of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), but it is being speculated that neither BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia nor ICC Chairman Jay Shah intend to be present at the venue for the fixture. Moreover, when asked by former and current officials in the BCCI of India’s participation, they have remained of the opinion that bilateral series can be snubbed but the same does not apply for ICC or ACC events.
Speaking of the two teams, while India remain the favourites to win the match, Pakistan too are fielding their best possible team in the format. As far as their head-to-head record is concerned, both teams have played 13 games with India having an upper hand with nine wins whereas Pakistan have won three matches and one game has ended in a draw.
