India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Promo Sparks Social Media Backlash

The promotional video for the Asia Cup has stirred up a significant reaction online. Sony Sports Network, responsible for broadcasting the event, released an ad featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Shaheen Afridi, and Virender Sehwag. The promo was intended to build anticipation for the India vs Pakistan match on September 14. However, it has led to a social media uproar, with many expressing their dissatisfaction.

Fans have voiced their displeasure and are calling for a boycott of both the Asia Cup and Sony Sports Network. This backlash is partly due to the April 23 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Criticism has also been directed at the BCCI and Sehwag for endorsing the match between India and Pakistan.

Social Media Reactions

Numerous fans took to social media to express their disapproval. One user tweeted, "We will Boycott," while another stated, "Going to boycott Asia Cup. To hell with you and @BCCI." The hashtag #BoycottAsiaCup gained traction as people expressed their inability to forget the Pahalgam incident.

Despite the controversy, Sehwag remains optimistic about India's performance in the tournament. In a video shared by Sony Sports Network, he said, "We are world champions. We just won the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and I am sure that we are the best team in the Asia Cup." He expressed confidence in Suryakumar Yadav's leadership abilities.

India's Group Stage Matches

India is part of Group A along with UAE, Pakistan, and Oman. Their first match is against UAE on September 10. The much-anticipated clash with Pakistan is scheduled for September 14. India will conclude its group stage matches against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

The Indian squad for the Asia Cup includes Suryakumar Yadav as captain, alongside players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, and Rinku Singh.

Sehwag further commented on India's prospects: "I think we have a very good side... I'm sure that under his captaincy [Suryakumar Yadav], we will do well because we've seen in the past when Sky has taken over; we won a lot of T20 games."