Despite being the official host of the Asia Cup 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning an “invisible boycott” of Sunday’s high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan.

According to Indian media reports, most senior BCCI officials will not attend the Group A fixture in Dubai, sparking fresh controversy.

No BCCI presence in UAE despite hosting

Four days into the tournament, no BCCI official has yet reached Dubai. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi unveiled the trophy and met with team captains, but Indian representation was notably absent.

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Indian outlet Dainik Jagran reported that only one BCCI representative may attend the match, while top officials like BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia, and Joint Secretary Rohan Desai are unlikely to be present.

Political backdrop and boycott calls

The controversy comes after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which killed 26 people, and Operation Sindoor, which India launched against Pakistan.

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Following the attack, many Indian fans and former cricketers urged the BCCI to boycott Pakistan matches altogether. However, the Indian government allowed participation in multilateral events, clearing the way for India’s involvement in the Asia Cup.

Fear of backlash

Unlike the Champions Trophy clash in Dubai earlier this year, where senior Indian cricket officials were present, the Asia Cup fixture appears to be different. Reports suggest BCCI officials fear backlash if seen attending.

A senior BCCI member 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.”

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The report further claimed that a BCCI official may only appear on camera after an Indian victory is assured.

Rajeev Shukla may attend

The only senior Indian cricket figure expected at the game is Rajeev Shukla, the acting BCCI president and an ACC executive board member, who may attend in an official capacity. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is currently in the US and will also miss the match.

On-field battle still fierce

Despite the off-field drama, the cricketing stage is set for a blockbuster encounter. India, boasting players like Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma, are overwhelming favourites.

Pakistan, led by new skipper Salman Ali Agha, will rely on emerging talents like Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Abrar Ahmed to challenge their arch-rivals.

With the T20 World Cup just months away, the Asia Cup clash will serve as a crucial test for both sides, though the political tensions have already overshadowed the build-up.