Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 27: Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the upcoming Asia Cup, has landed in controversy after releasing a promotional advertisement featuring India captain Suryakumar Yadav, Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, and former India star Virender Sehwag.

The promo, intended to build hype around the high-voltage India–Pakistan encounter on September 14, has instead sparked a backlash on social media, with netizens accusing the broadcaster of insensitivity. Many have called for a boycott of the Asia Cup in the backdrop of the April 23 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.

Fans have also criticised the BCCI and Sehwag for endorsing the Indo-Pak clash. “Promoting cricket with Pakistan at such a time is unacceptable,” wrote one user, while others trended hashtags demanding a boycott of Sony Sports Network.

Despite the uproar, Sehwag expressed confidence in Team India’s chances. In a video posted by the channel, he said, “We are world champions. We just won the T20 World Cup. I am sure we are the best team in the Asia Cup, and under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India will do well.”

India, placed in Group A alongside the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman, will begin its Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10. The high-profile clash against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, followed by the last group game against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.