Dubai, September 28 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted for an “invisible boycott” of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, with no senior officials expected to attend the match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The decision stems from widespread fan backlash following the Pahalgam terror attacks and ongoing diplomatic tensions, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The Asia Cup matches were relocated to the UAE after the attacks heightened political strains between the two nations. A report by Dainik Jagran stated that no BCCI official has arrived in Dubai for the final, marking a continuation of the board’s low-profile approach during earlier India-Pakistan group and Super Four clashes in the tournament.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia and Joint Secretary Rohan Desai are unlikely to be present, the report added. A senior BCCI official told Dainik Jagran, “We agreed to the match after getting permission from the government. If we come on camera during the match, then attempts would be made to create an atmosphere against us.”
Rajeev Shukla, serving as interim BCCI president and an Asian Cricket Council executive, may attend in his ACC capacity, though confirmation remains pending. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is in the United States and will not travel.
This contrasts with the earlier Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan in Dubai this year, where top BCCI officials and state board representatives were in attendance. Social media campaigns like #BoycottAsiaCup have trended, with fans, former players and politicians urging a full boycott.
India enters as heavy favorites, boasting a strong lineup including Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, against a rebuilding Pakistan under new captain Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan relies on talents like Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed boycott demands in an NDTV interview, stating the board follows government guidelines on ties with Pakistan and risks ICC or ACC sanctions from a complete pullout, as reported by NDTV Sports.
The match proceeds despite subdued ticket sales and reduced pre-game hype, with both teams having advanced through the tournament.
The Chenab Times News Desk