Sony Sports Network, which holds the broadcasting rights for the forthcoming Asia Cup, has come under fire after unveiling a promotional clip for the India versus Pakistan match. The advertisement featured India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, and cricket legend Virender Sehwag, intending to hype up the intense encounter scheduled for 14 September. However, the promo sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many fans voicing their strong objections.

Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 23, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the demands to boycott the Asia Cup have grown among fans and experts.

Furthermore, fans have called for a boycott of Sony Sports Network and criticised both the BCCI and Sehwag for endorsing the India-Pakistan match amid the sensitive situation.

In spite of the backlash, Sehwag continues to hold a positive outlook on India’s prospects in the tournament.

“We are the world champions, having just won the T20 World Cup. I’m confident we are the strongest team in the Asia Cup, and I hope we win the Asia Cup,” Sehwag said in a video shared by Sony Sports Network on social media.

India have been placed in Group A along with the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman. The team will kick off its campaign against the UAE on 10 September, face Pakistan on 14 September, and wrap up the group stage with a match against Oman on 19 September in Abu Dhabi.

India squad for the Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arsdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarty, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh