Virender Sehwag and BCCI faced backlash after Sony Sports’ Asia Cup 2025 India–Pakistan promo sparked fan outrage.
Asia Cup 2025 Promo Sparks Backlash Over India-Pakistan Clash
Less than two weeks before the start of the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, official broadcasters Sony Sports Network released a promotional video to build excitement for the tournament. However, the clip focused on the India–Pakistan clash scheduled for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, triggering severe backlash. Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag faced criticism for his appearance in the promo, while the BCCI was also slammed as fans threatened to boycott the event.
The BCCI has been under intense scrutiny since the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the Asia Cup schedule earlier this month. India’s participation had initially been in question following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. At one point, speculation suggested the tournament could even be cancelled if India withdrew.
After months of uncertainty, ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), announced the dates and venues for all Asia Cup matches. Fans were further angered by the prospect of India and Pakistan potentially meeting three times during the tournament.
Sehwag Promo Sparks Fan Backlash
The promo, featuring India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, ignited outrage among fans. Many criticised Virender Sehwag and the broadcasters, warning the BCCI that not a single match of the tournament would be watched by Indian viewers.
Sehwag saab proving ‘patriotism ends where advertisement money begins’. pic.twitter.com/8xLr25Gczm
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh) August 26, 2025
Over patriotic ads for India pakistan
— Archer (@poserarcher) August 26, 2025
And also Sehwag on Odd days . And then you lot worship these brainded people who asks who sells you deshbhakti churan. And it's you who is the part of the problem who are very gullible. No wonder you are getting scammed by rich and poor both… https://t.co/XrEepYfKhI pic.twitter.com/k9g2nahaJj
Last week, the Indian Sports Ministry unveiled a new policy on international sporting engagements, emphasizing restrictions on Pakistan while allowing multilateral tournaments. Bilateral contests between India and Pakistan remain off the table, but multilateral events like the Asia Cup will proceed as planned, meaning the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will participate.
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country,” the ministry stated. “In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India.”
However, multilateral engagements remain unaffected.
