Boycott calls hit as India vs Pakistan Asia Cup ad rates drop: Report

The ad rates for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 reportedly have fallen substantially. According to reports, advertising prices for the high-profile Group A encounter have fallen by around 15 to 20 percent, which is unusual for such marquee games.

Typically, an India-Pakistan match receives significant commercial interest, but this time around, multiple external factors seem to overshadow it. The decline shows growing nervousness within the advertising industry as they normally see this event as a great opportunity for exposure and more importantly, reach.

One of the primary reasons being cited is the tense geopolitical backdrop. After the Pahalgam terrorist attack earlier this year, security worries and boycott calls from Indian nationalists have led to reticence from the advertising sector to embrace the match and dampen its commercial appeal overall.

Fantasy Ban, Geopolitics Dent Advertiser Confidence

Industry experts, as reported by Business Standard, highlight that the government’s recent ban on online fantasy gaming apps has also had a significant impact. These platforms have been cricket's primary advertisers in the past, and their exit has played a major role in the decline of ad rates.

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Moreover, the fallout from the terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor, and ongoing heightened cross-border tensions, has quickened calls for boycotts, inhibiting most brands from associating with the marquee fixture. In saying that, though, the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Group A fixture will take place as scheduled on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium, starting at 8:00 PM IST.