The day of Pakistan's Asia Cup Boycott

Indian media on September 17 extensively focused on Pakistan's controversial boycott of the Asia Cup clash against UAE. Early reports indicated Pakistan's refusal to play over a "handshake row" and demands for a referee change, leading to conflicting reports on whether the match would proceed. By early afternoon, reports confirmed Pakistan had reversed its boycott threat and was traveling to the stadium after their demands were not met. Later in the afternoon, it was widely reported that the match had begun, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claiming the referee had apologized, a claim later refuted by the ICC. Concurrently, PM Modi's 75th birthday continued to be a prominent story, with various celebratory events by the BJP. Separately, Donald Trump's perceived flip-flops on India and comparisons to Pakistan and China also gained attention.