Indian Fans Slam BCCI Over Reported India-Pakistan Clash in Asia Cup 2025. Reports suggesting that India and Pakistan will be placed in the same group for the Asia Cup 2025 have sparked backlash among Indian fans. The prospect of multiple matches between the two rivals has left many questioning the BCCI’s stance.
Several fans took to social media, drawing parallels with past controversies. One prominent reference was to Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, who had faced criticism for inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic — India’s first international javelin competition.
“Where’s the nationalism now?” asked a user named Rohan on X (formerly Twitter), recalling how Neeraj had to clarify his patriotism in early 2025.
Another post read: “Neeraj Chopra had to apologize just because Arshad Nadeem was in the lineup. Back then, his patriotism was questioned. Now, everyone’s silent. This is classic selective outrage.”
Where's the nationalism now? Neeraj Chopra literally had to post an apology tweet for an event of his where Arshad Nadeem was also participating. People started questioning his love for the nation, Can't see them now
— रोहन (@Pvthaibhai) July 24, 2025
Selective outrage at its finest https://t.co/hsgpROukQ1
Neeraj Chopra Faces Backlash Over Inviting Pakistani Athlete Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India announced in April 2025 a complete boycott of all sporting ties with Pakistan. However, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra found himself at the center of controversy after inviting Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to India’s first-ever World Athletics Gold-level meet held in his name in Bengaluru.
The backlash against Chopra was swift and intense, both online and offline, with critics questioning his patriotism and even targeting his family. In response, Chopra clarified that invitations had been sent to the world’s top javelin throwers, including Nadeem, two days before the Pahalgam incident. He emphasized that the goal of the event was to bring together elite global talent and promote athletics in India.
“It hurts to see my integrity being questioned. I’ve carried the Indian flag with pride for years. It pained me to have to explain myself, even more when my family was dragged into it,” Chopra said in a heartfelt statement on social media.
Meanwhile, with the BCCI yet to confirm India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 alongside Pakistan, some fans are once again reigniting the Chopra controversy. One user stated, “I’m boycotting BCCI and all its products if India plays Pakistan,” reflecting the ongoing public sentiment around Indo-Pak sports ties.
Where's the nationalism now? Neeraj Chopra literally had to post an apology tweet for an event of his where Arshad Nadeem was also participating. People started questioning his love for the nation, Can't see them now
— रोहन (@Pvthaibhai) July 24, 2025
Selective outrage at its finest https://t.co/hsgpROukQ1
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem are set for a highly anticipated rematch at the Silesia Diamond League 2025 in Poland on August 16 — their first face-off since the Paris Olympics. The news has already sparked strong reactions from fans and athletics circles alike
