India is all set to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. This marks team India’s first match against Pakistan since the terrifying Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Social media seems divided on BCCI`s decision to play against Pakistan, given the tension between the neighbouring countries. While Suniel Shetty and Zayed Khan claim cricketers shouldn’t be blamed, Ashoke Pandit calls it a black day.
Celebs react to India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match
Actress Raveena Tandon shared that she hopes our men in blue play with black bands on. Taking to her X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle, she wrote: “So ok the match is on. I hope our team plays with black bands on and takes a knee. Before taking victory(sic).”
So ok the match is on. I hope our team plays with black bands on and takes a knee . Before taking victory .
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) September 14, 2025
While KL Rahul’s father-in-law and actor Suniel Shetty said, “It`s a world sporting body. They have to abide by those rules and regulations because there are a lot of other sports and a lot of athletes who are involved in them. As Indians, I think that is our personal call that we have to take, whether we want to see it, whether we don`t want to see it, whether we want to go or not go and that`s a call India has to take. You cannot blame cricketers for playing because they are sportsmen, they are expected to represent the country. I think that`s a call we have to take. If I`m not going to see it, I`m not going to see it. It`s for you to decide what each one of you wants to do. It`s not in BCCI`s hands.”
Actor Zayed Khan echoed the same sentiment and cheered for Team India ahead of the upcoming match. He said in a press conference, “India is going to outshine everyone, you know what I mean. I believe India is a fantastic team and mujhe lagta hai ki 100 per cent India jeetne waali hai, (I think India is going to win 100 per cent).”
When asked if India should continue playing Pakistan despite political tensions, he replied, “Kyun nahin yaar. Sports sports hote hain. Usme kya hai. Vahan jitne thode bahut sambandh ban sakte hain, banne do (Why not, friend. Sports is sports. What’s the big deal in that? Let whatever little relationships can be formed there, be formed).”
Ashoke Pandit condemns players
However, Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) president Ashoke Pandit had a different opinion and strongly opposed the match. Calling it a “black day” for the country, he told ANI, “It is a black day for this country. We cannot be this insensitive. Our cricketers should have this much shame; money is not everything. I want to say to all the cricketers that the people you play for have their hands covered with blood, and that blood is of Indians.”
