The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Asia Cup 2025 squad on August 19, declaring Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Though the team selection was the subject of surprise picks and snubs, it was not the only point of discussion. The hashtag #DeshdrohiBCCI soon started trending the social media platform X (Formerly known as Twitter), soon after the press conference, arousing a raging debate all over the country. The main reason for this trend is India's move to take part in the Asia Cup 2025 showdown with Pakistan on September 14 in the UAE. Cricket experts and fans have been panning the BCCI for accepting to play Pakistan amidst the tensions between the two countries. Here are some of the posts: @JayShah @ICC @narendramodi India Pakistan conflict me humne apno ko Sahid isliye Kiya tha kya ki aap Pakistan se match ke Mazza le ..Mane apno ko khoya h 'PM bolte h ki "khoon or Pani ek sath nhi Bah sakte" vha match kse ho skta h #ShameOnYouBCCI#DeshdrohiBCCI @AmitShah — Adv Sonia Yadav 🇮🇳 (@sonu_2021) August 19, 2025 @BCCI #DeshdrohiBCCI – Selling the nation’s pride just for money 💰 Playing with Pakistan = Betrayal of Bharat 🇮🇳🕉️@HMOIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/5OqzlKmIJC — NABAJYOTI🇮🇳 (@NABAJYOTI94) August 19, 2025 #DeshdrohiBCCI what is this ? We really dont want a match with pak. The BCCI has confirmed India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025, where India is scheduled to play Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, with potential rematches on September 21 (Super 4s) and September 28… pic.twitter.com/rKUwBwYEIb — wellbeing mantras (@wellbeingmantra) August 19, 2025 Also Read | Asia Cup 2025: Fans React to Shubman Gill Named India Vice-Captain The Backdrop: Why Fans Demand a Boycott Earlier this year, there was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam which took innocent lives. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor, but emotions are raw among the people. There are many who feel that India should abandon all cricketing relations with Pakistan, as it has been supporting terrorism. The demand for a boycott gained momentum during the World Championship of Legends 2025 when India Legends refused to play Pakistan. Supporters now want the senior team to follow the same stance in the Asia Cup 2025. The BCCI’s Stance and Confusion At the time of the Asia Cup team announcement, a journalist asked about India playing against Pakistan. But the BCCI official cut it short, kindling more doubts. The silence only contributed to the uncertainty whether Team India would indeed step onto the field against their arch-rivals. Fans criticize the BCCI for commercializing everything and giving national interest a back seat. A lot of posts on X stated that Jay Shah and the board care only about money and not about the people's sentiments. Also Read | Asia Cup 2025: Ajit Agarkar Explains Jasprit Bumrah’s Selection for Marquee Event Voices of Support and Criticism Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has also claimed that India will boycott the Asia Cup game against Pakistan. Until this happens, the argument goes on with fans divided between the sporting spirit and national pride. As the Asia Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the BCCI’s final stance. Whether India play against Pakistan or not, the issue has already sparked one of the biggest cricket controversies of 2025.