Asia Cup Ad Campaign Featuring India-Pakistan Match Stirs Controversy Amidst Political Tensions

The official broadcasters of the Asia Cup shared their latest promotional ad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which has triggered a storm of reactions online. The promo, featuring former India opener Virender Sehwag, was intended to build excitement around the high-voltage India vs Pakistan group-stage clash on September 14 in Sharjah. Instead, it has drawn criticism from fans who feel the timing is insensitive given the political and emotional backdrop.

The April 23 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, prompted the Indian government to condemn Pakistan over links between the suspected attackers and The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group. In the aftermath, India severed all sporting ties with Pakistan.

Several former cricketers and public figures have since voiced strong opposition to cricketing engagements between the two nations, urging the BCCI to adopt a firmer stance. Against this backdrop, the promo focusing on the India vs Pakistan rivalry, using clips from the 2024 T20 World Cup, has not been well-received by a section of fans.

Watch the video here:

Another factor drawing scrutiny is Virender Sehwag’s involvement. The former India star has previously spoken strongly against sporting engagements with Pakistan following terror attacks. His decision to front the promotional campaign has left some fans questioning his stance, leading to sharp criticism on social media.