For weeks, the build-up to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai was overshadowed by boycott calls, anger, and political debate following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Yet, as the first ball was bowled, the reality became clear: fans were still tuning in.
Cricbuzz tops search trends
Google Trends data shows “Cricbuzz”, “Cricbuzz score”, and “Cricbuzz Asia Cup” spiking sharply on the day of the match. At one point, “Cricbuzz” registered over 500K+ searches in just an hour, proving that no matter the noise outside, cricket remains the irresistible pull for millions.
The irony hasn’t gone unnoticed. While many voices on social media demanded a boycott, digital platforms providing live commentary, scores, and updates have witnessed a surge in traffic. It’s a reminder of the unique place India-Pakistan cricket holds, where emotion and rivalry eventually override everything else.
The irony of watch vs boycott
Calls to boycott the marquee fixture were loud, with hashtags trending in India for days. Ticket sales, especially the high-priced VIP categories, were sluggish. Yet the digital demand tells a different story — fans may skip buying expensive tickets or even watching on TV, but they cannot resist following the match live on apps and score websites.
A pattern we’ve seen before
This isn’t the first time such irony has played out. Similar trends were recorded during the 2019 World Cup after the Pulwama attack, and again during Asia Cup 2023 under the hybrid hosting model. Each time, boycott campaigns made headlines, but India vs Pakistan cricket still broke digital viewership and engagement records.
The takeaway
Whether it’s Cricbuzz topping charts, broadcasters selling record ad slots, or social media buzzing, the numbers show one truth: India-Pakistan cricket cannot be ignored. Fans may be divided, angry, or even conflicted — but they still watch, still follow, still refresh the scorecard.
