Fri Sep 12 17:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Tensions are rising around the upcoming India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match scheduled for Dubai on September 14th, especially following the recent attack in Pahalgam. Controversy is fueled by past anti-India social media posts made by several prominent Pakistani cricketers during “Operation Sindoor.” These posts range from supporting Pakistan’s military narrative and criticizing India’s actions to directly mocking India and its citizens, including Faheem Ashraf’s particularly offensive post depicting a Pakistani soldier applying sindoor on an Indian woman. Both Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed, who also mocked the Indian Air Force, are included in the Asia Cup squad, leading to calls for the match to be cancelled.
**News Article:**
**Calls Grow to Cancel India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match After Past Anti-India Posts Surface**
**Dubai –** The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 14th in Dubai, is facing increasing scrutiny following renewed outrage over anti-India social media posts made by prominent Pakistani cricketers during a period referred to as “Operation Sindoor.” The controversy is further exacerbated by the recent attack in Pahalgam, leading many to question the appropriateness of holding the match.
Social media posts from at least seven Pakistani cricketers, including Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Rumman Raees, have resurfaced, drawing condemnation for their politically charged content. These posts ranged from implicit support for Pakistan’s military stance to direct criticism of India’s actions.
However, two specific posts have sparked particular outrage. Faheem Ashraf, a member of the current Asia Cup squad, previously shared an image depicting a Pakistani soldier applying sindoor on an Indian woman in a tricolour sari, captioned “New Chapter Begins.” The post was widely criticized as mocking India’s dignity and trivializing potential suffering.
Abrar Ahmed, also named in the Asia Cup squad, previously mocked the Indian Air Force by posting a photo with a cup of tea captioned “Fantastic Tea,” referencing the 2019 Abhinandan Varthaman incident.
“Having players who have openly mocked and denigrated India representing Pakistan on the field is simply unacceptable,” said a source close to the situation. “The recent attack in Pahalgam adds another layer of sensitivity. How can we celebrate sportsmanship when there is so much animosity?”
Calls for the cancellation of the match are growing, with many arguing that such a contest would be insensitive and inappropriate given the current climate. Officials from both cricket boards have yet to comment on the developing situation. The inclusion of both Ashraf and Ahmed in the squad, despite their past actions, has further fueled the controversy and intensified the pressure on organizers to reconsider the match.
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