Virender Sehwag Faces Backlash Over Asia Cup Promo Amid Pahalgam Attack Outrage

The build-up to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash on 14 sep has taken an unexpected turn. A promotional video featuring legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has sparked massive controversy online. Instead of excitement, the campaign has triggered outrage, with hashtags like #BoycottAsiaCup and #BoycottBCCI trending across social media.

The backlash stems from the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians in April 2025. Many believe promoting an India–Pakistan cricket encounter so soon after the tragedy is insensitive and unpatriotic.

Why Sehwag Is Under Fire

Sony Sports Network released the “Rag Rag Mein Bharat” campaign, where Sehwag encourages fans to gear up for the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match. While intended to spark national pride, the timing backfired badly:

• Social media users accused Sehwag of ignoring the sacrifices of Pahalgam victims.

• Critics said his presence in the promo contradicted his earlier patriotic image.

• Some fans alleged the campaign placed commercial interests above national sentiment.

Public Backlash & Trending Hashtags

The outrage quickly went viral:

• #BoycottAsiaCup and #BoycottBCCI trended for hours on X (formerly Twitter).

• Users expressed anger over what they saw as the normalisation of sporting ties with Pakistan despite terror attacks.

• Comparisons were drawn with legends who boycotted exhibition matches against Pakistan, highlighting a perceived double standard.

Political and Cricketing Reactions

The controversy wasn’t limited to fans. Political leaders and former cricketers also joined the debate:

• Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP from Assam, urged the BCCI to cancel India–Pakistan matches, citing “national dignity.”

• Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian cricketer, questioned the ethics of playing Pakistan, stating: “The value of a human life should be more than sports.”

• Other voices from the cricket fraternity echoed similar concerns, stressing the need to respect public sentiment after Pahalgam.

Why the Pahalgam Attack Matters Here

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. The attack left the nation grieving, with calls for stronger action against terrorism. For many, organizing an India–Pakistan clash in such a short time feels like a betrayal of martyrs’ sacrifices.

Also Read: India vs England 2025 Test Series

Key Takeaways

• Sehwag’s Asia Cup promo has unintentionally placed him in the eye of a political and emotional storm.

• The India–Pakistan rivalry, usually celebrated as cricket’s biggest draw, is now being questioned for ethical and patriotic reasons.

• With boycott calls gaining momentum, the BCCI and broadcasters face pressure to rethink promotional strategies around the match.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Virender Sehwag being criticized for the Asia Cup promo?
Because many believe his participation ignored the recent Pahalgam terror attack, making the promo appear insensitive.

Q2. What hashtags are trending after the promo release?
Fans trended #BoycottAsiaCup and #BoycottBCCI in protest.

Q3. What happened in the Pahalgam attack?
On April 22, 2025, terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Q4. What did political leaders say about the controversy?
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi urged avoiding India–Pakistan matches, while former cricketer Manoj Tiwary said human life should be valued more than sports.

Q5. Is the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match still happening?
Yes, as of now, the match is scheduled for 14 Sep, but debates around its timing and sensitivity continue.

👉 This controversy highlights the delicate balance between sports, commerce, and national sentiment. What was meant to unite fans has instead triggered one of the biggest pre-match debates in recent memory.