The Asia Cup 2025 promo with special focus on the IND-PAK clash on September 14, has sparked fresh debate with fans citing the Pahalgam terror attack and Virender Sehwag’s involvement as the key points.
The official broadcasters of the Asia Cup have recently shared their latest promotional ad for the Asia Cup 2025 season, which has triggered the Indian fans online.
The promo featuring former India opener Virender Sehwag was intended to build excitement around the high-voltage IND vs PAK clash on September 14 in Dubai.
However, it has drawn criticism from fans who feels that the promo is insensitive given the political and emotional backdrop.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives prompted the Indian government to condemn Pakistan over links between attackers and The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group. In the aftermath, India have served all sporting ties with Pakistan.
Several former cricketers and public figures have since voiced strong opposition to cricketing engagements between the two nations, urging the BCCI to adopt a firmer stance.
Meanwhile, the promo focusing on the IND vs PAK rivalry, using clips from the 2024 T20 World Cup has not been well-received by fans.
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Dekhiye Asia Cup September 9 se Sony LIV aur Sony Sports Network ke TV Channels par! #RagRagMeinBharat #TeamIndia #AsiaCup #SonyLIV #SonySportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/xOYODLi8Lo
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) August 24, 2025
Meanwhile Virender Sehwag’s involvement has also sparked controversy who spoke strongly against sporting engagments with Pakistan following terror attacks.
His decision to front the promotional campaign has left some fans questioning his stance, leading to sharp criticism on social media.
Meanwhile, the sports ministry has clarified that India will maintain their policy of not engaging in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan.
On August 21, the ministry reiterated that Indian teams will neither travel to Pakistan nor host Pakistani sides for bilateral contests.
However, participation in multi-national tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments will continued to be played at neutral venues.
Placed in Group A, both India and Pakistan are set to face in a group stage matches and are likely to meet in Super four stages and finals if they managed to advance to the next stages.
The Asia Cup 2025 will begin with Afghanistan and Hong Kong playing in the opener match on September 09 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
