The India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the UAE, has triggered a wave of national outrage. Following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year that claimed 26 lives, many Indians are questioning the morality of playing cricket with a country consistently linked to cross-border terrorism.

Public sentiment is deeply emotional. Social media has erupted with calls to #BoycottAsiaCup, with people arguing that sporting ties with Pakistan mock the pain of terror victims and disrespect the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. Former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also withdrew from a World Cricket League match against Pakistan, declaring, “Nothing is above the nation.”

Meanwhile, some voices from Pakistan’s cricketing community have accused India of selective patriotism, pointing out the inconsistency between boycotting one tournament but participating in another. Yet, critics maintain that continuing cricket with Pakistan sends the wrong message—one that normalizes relations without accountability.

The heart of the matter lies in this: Can we truly separate sports from national security and sentiment? For many, the answer is no. It is now time for India to take a firm stand and show the world that until terrorism is rooted out, there can be no cricket diplomacy.