Despite all the hype Pakistan loves to create on matches against India and tournaments featuring both the neighbouring countries, the immensely sluggish Pakistani economy seems to be taking a toll on cricket fans there. Take, for example, the issue of broadcast rights that is still to be negotiated for the Pakistan territory.

According to Pakistani cricket-specific website, cricketpakistan.com.pk, the media rights for the Asia Cup have not yet been sold in Pakistan. Reason: the Indian broadcaster, which holds the media rights, has demanded $12 million and Pakistani TV channels are in talks to reduce the amount as paying such a huge amount would not be financially viable.

 The report stated that discussions were continuing among the TV channels to form a consortium to meet the rights holder’s demand. The Asia Cricket Council media rights rest with Sony Pictures Networks India until 2031, which includes four Asia Cups, including the 2025 edition.

The cricketpakistan.com report speculated that if Pakistan and India reach the final, then three India-Pakistan matches were expected to be played, including the grand finale. And, India-Pakistan matches are always blockbuster events.

Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, featuring 19 matches.

Meanwhile, the debate to-play-Pakistan-or-not continues with all enthusiasm in India with many, including some former cricketers, of the opinion that India should forfeit its game against Pakistan or not play as the neighbour has been behind terror activities within Indian territories.

Quoting unnamed sources, NDTV reported yesterday that the India-Pakistan cricket clash, which is supposed to happen on September 14, will not be cancelled.

“This is not a bilateral contest but a match in a multi-nation tournament. If India does not play or forfeit the match, it will give Pakistan a huge advantage. This will be like giving them a walkover, which is not desirable,” the NDTV report quoted the sources as saying. (https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/india-vs-pakistan-asia-cup-2025-match-cant-be-cancelled-despite-backlash-sources-8966419)