High Political Tensions Escalate as Boycott Calls Surge Over India-Pakistan Asia Cup Showdown ..
Political Storm Brews Nationwide: Protests in Delhi Demand Cricket Ban Amid Cross-Border Tensions
New Delhi/Mumbai/Srinagar, September 14, 2025 – As the Asia Cup 2025 gears up for its marquee India-Pakistan clash scheduled for September 20 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a wave of political fervor has swept across India, turning what should be a sporting spectacle into a flashpoint for nationalistic sentiments. From the streets of Delhi to the bustling markets of Maharashtra and the sensitive regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), calls for boycotting the match are gaining momentum, fueled by ongoing geopolitical frictions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
In the national capital, Delhi, protesters gathered outside the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Wankheje Road, waving tricolors and chanting slogans against “playing with the enemy.” Led by youth wings of several right-wing organizations, the demonstration, which began at dawn and continued throughout the day, highlighted grievances over Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. “Cricket cannot be separated from politics when our soldiers are dying at the border,” said Rajesh Kumar, a 28-year-old participant, echoing the sentiment of hundreds who blocked traffic for hours.
The unrest quickly spread to Maharashtra, where political parties from across the spectrum weighed in. In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray addressed a rally at Shivaji Park, urging fans to shun the match telecast and redirect their energy toward national pride. “This isn’t just a game; it’s a betrayal of our martyrs,” Thackeray thundered to a crowd of over 5,000, many of whom burned effigies of the Pakistan cricket team. Meanwhile, in Pune and Nagpur, student groups organized social media campaigns under hashtags like #BoycottPakCricket and #IndiaFirst, amassing millions of views by midday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s administration has remained neutral so far, but sources indicate backchannel discussions on whether state-sponsored viewings should proceed.
The situation turned particularly volatile in J&K, where the match’s anticipation has intertwined with local sensitivities. In Srinagar, security was beefed up around key venues as separatist groups called for a “complete blackout” of the event, citing it as a distraction from unresolved issues like Article 370’s abrogation aftermath. Protests erupted in downtown Srinagar and Jammu, with stone-pelting incidents reported near the local cricket stadium. A senior Jammu & Kashmir Police official, speaking anonymously, noted, “The all-day unrest has been contained, but emotions are running high, especially with the LoC tensions fresh in memory.” Political leaders from the National Conference and PDP have urged restraint, but fringe elements distributed pamphlets advocating a nationwide boycott.
Nationwide, the discourse has permeated social media and television debates, with former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir joining the fray. Gambhir, now a BJP MP, tweeted, “No cricket with Pakistan until terrorism stops,” a post that garnered over 1 million likes within hours. The BCCI, in a terse statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) schedule, emphasizing that “sports should transcend politics.” However, reports suggest internal deliberations on contingency plans if fan backlash intensifies.
As the day drew to a close, the political pitch showed no signs of cooling. With the match just six days away, analysts warn that the boycott calls could impact viewership and sponsorships, potentially costing millions. For now, India’s cricket fans remain divided—some rooting for a diplomatic thaw through sports, others viewing the clash as an unacceptable concession in a time of heightened hostilities.
By AMIT ALHAT, Editor, TIN24 News
This article is based on on-ground reporting and statements from various stakeholders. TIN24 will continue to monitor developments.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
