The much-hyped India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai turned into a ghostly spectacle. While players battled on the pitch, the BCCI’s conspicuous absence from the official box cast a long shadow. With tensions still raw from April’s Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, fans saw the empty seats as more than symbolic—they were a statement, or perhaps a surrender.
Widows of terror victims, opposition leaders, and former cricketers have slammed the board for “selling patriotism for ratings.” Online, hashtags like #BoycottBCCI and #GhostMatch trend as fans question whether cricket can—or should—be played in the shadow of bloodshed. Even ticket sales have plummeted, with broadcasters bracing for a ratings dip.

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