NEW DELHI: With just a few days left for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, the event has actually already found itself at the centre of conflict. Sony Sports Network, the official program partner, launched a marketing video to construct enjoyment for the occasion but ended up encountering extreme backlash from fans on social media. The trigger was their India vs Pakistan promo, which highlighted the marquee clash arranged for September 14 The advertisement included India’s T 20 I captain Suryakumar Yadav, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, and fabulous Indian batter Virender Sehwag While the intent was to ignite anticipation in advance of the high-voltage experience in between the arch-rivals, it rather sparked outrage online. Fans strongly criticised the broadcaster for concentrating on the India-Pakistan rivalry each time of heightened emotions complying with the April 23 Pahalgam terror assault, which declared the lives of 26 private citizens. Numerous users asked for a boycott of the Asia Cup entirely, while others especially prompted a boycott of Sony Sports Network. The BCCI and Sehwag additionally attracted sharp criticism from sections of fans for their organization with the advertising project. The rage shows the delicate backdrop in which the tournament is readied to be played, with cricket between India and Pakistan remaining to remain a highly polarising problem. Amid the tornado, the cricketing side of the Asia Cup brings considerable intrigue.
The 2025 edition will be India’s first significant multi-nation event without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retired from T 20 Is earlier this year after leading India to back-to-back ICC titles– the 2024 T 20 Globe Mug and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their absence notes the beginning of a new phase, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a youthful squad. India have been drawn in Team A, which additionally includes Oman, hosts UAE, and arch-rivals Pakistan. Team B consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. India will certainly kick off their war UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Arena. The much-talked-about clash against Pakistan will happen on September 14 at the exact same location, while their last group suit versus Oman is arranged for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.