(Image source from: x.com/ACCMedia1)

With the announcement of the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, a wave of backlash has erupted on social media. However, trusted sources have informed NDTV that the game, scheduled for September 14, will go ahead as planned. "This is a match in a tournament with multiple nations, not just a one-on-one competition. If India doesn't participate or gives up the match, it would greatly benefit Pakistan. It would be comparable to giving them an easy win, which is not preferable," the sources stated. Feelings are still intense after the tragic shooting of 26 people by terrorists believed to be backed by Pakistan in the popular tourist area of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir last April. The violent incident led to a brief military confrontation between the two nations. Now, months later, their cricket teams are set to face off in the Asia Cup. "Currently, the BCCI is not under the control of the sports ministry, as the National Sports Governance Bill has not yet been passed. Therefore, the ministry has no authority, but we will observe how the BCCI reacts to public opinion," a source from the sports ministry said.

Lieutenant General (Retd) KJS Dhillon, who was the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency, is one of the key figures advocating for a halt on cricket connections with Pakistan. In contrast, former BCCI President and captain Sourav Ganguly has condemned terrorism but insists that "sports must continue." The sports ministry has reiterated that any one-on-one sports activity with Pakistan is "not an option" at this time. However, in events involving multiple nations, they will follow the Olympic Charter, which forbids any discrimination based on political matters, which is why the government has asserted that it will not prevent Pakistan from participating in international competitions in India. Following the Charter is vital for India's ambitious plan to host the 2036 Olympics. Cricket is also now part of the Olympic movement and is set to make its debut at the Games in 2028 in the T20 format. Nonetheless, the eight-nation Asia Cup is not an ICC event and is organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is currently headed by Mohsin Naqvi from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The tournament includes a planned match between India and Pakistan on September 14, with the possibility of two more encounters later on. Significant amounts of money are involved in these matches as broadcasters anticipate high viewer numbers and consequently higher advertising prices. Sony Network has obtained the broadcast rights from the ACC for eight years at a cost of USD 170 million. It is known that unless there is a required India-Pakistan match in this continental tournament, the channel would face substantial financial losses, which would also impact the revenue estimates of the ACC. While these losses may not significantly affect the wealthy BCCI, they would have a ripple effect on the income of the remaining 24 ACC member countries, most of which are emerging cricket nations.

The National Sports Governance Bill includes a section that allows the sports ministry to intervene and place "reasonable restrictions" on the involvement of Indian teams and individual athletes in international competitions when there are "extraordinary circumstances" and for the "national interest." This bill was presented in Parliament last week; however, it will take time to become law, as it requires the agreement of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha before receiving the President's approval. The ministry has indicated that the BCCI will fall under its authority once the bill becomes an act.

"The situation will change when that occurs. But for now, things remain the same. The decision is up to the BCCI," a source mentioned. Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in the deaths of over 150 people due to terrorism backed by Pakistan, India and Pakistan have not participated in the very profitable bilateral matches. However, they frequently compete against each other in international tournaments like the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, attracting a large audience both in person and on television and online platforms.