India is playing Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup because it is a multinational tournament where Indian policy allows participation even amidst strained political relations. The Indian government has banned bilateral matches or athletic exchanges with Pakistan but permits encounters in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup or World Cup to maintain India's international sporting commitments and future hosting ambitions, such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The match also generates massive television viewership and commercial revenue, which is financially significant for cricket boards and sponsors. Despite public opposition and boycott calls in India following recent terror attacks and military operations against Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is following the government's directive to compete in multilateral events, as avoiding the match could have diplomatic and sporting consequences. This decision reflects a balance between political tensions and the imperatives of international sports frameworks that prohibit discrimination or exclusion based on political disputes.
In summary, India is playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup primarily due to government policy restricting only bilateral matches, the financial and commercial importance of India-Pakistan games, and adherence to international sports norms.
