Young Cricket Fans Call for Boycott of India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match

Strategic Insights -

As the Asia Cup draws near, widespread debate has erupted regarding the inclusion of an India-Pakistan cricket match in the tournament, scheduled for September 14. The match has been met with opposition from many, including Indian cricket fans, who are urging for a boycott in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Six young cricket fans from Kolkata shared their thoughts on the matter, citing concerns about the sport being used as a platform to "normalise" relations with a country accused of harbouring and funding terrorism. They believe that the time for cricket diplomacy is over, and that the focus should now be on unity and restraint.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abhinabha Paul, 18, believes that India should not play against Pakistan as a protest against a state sponsor of terrorism, citing the need to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
  • Meghdoot Saha, 20, agrees that boycotting the match is the least India can do to show respect for the victims, while also criticising the normalisation of relations with a country that funds terror.
  • Shawanee Dutta, 18, feels that the trauma of the recent events has changed the way she views cricket diplomacy, and believes that voluntarily planning a match with Pakistan sends the wrong message when people are mourning.
  • Arya Dutta, 19, expresses disappointment at the idea of continuing cricket matches with Pakistan, citing the high cost of security and the injustice of playing a game with a nation that shelters its killers.
  • Sririddhi Auddy, 19, believes that any sporting ties with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack would be insensitive and diplomatically confusing, and that boycotting is a valid tool of protest.
  • Angshu Das Biswas, 18, criticises the "diplomatic doublespeak" of permitting cricket while shutting down other channels of cultural or diplomatic exchange.
  • Ankit Das, 18, believes that continuing with the match sends the wrong signal, and that the BCCI should take a strong stance against bilateral series and push for a boycott.

Statistics:

  • The Asia Cup is scheduled to start on September 2 and will run until September 15, with the India-Pakistan match taking place on September 14.
  • The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on August 5, which is still a recent and sensitive period of time for many Indians.
  • According to reports, the Indian Legends team had pulled out of the fixture in both the group stage and the semi-final, citing their support for a boycott of the match.
  • The BCCI has not yet officially commented on the issue, but many fans and critics are calling for a boycott of the match.

Sources:

  • ABP Private Limited (2025)
  • Contify.com (distributed by)