Political storm erupts as opposition parties, victim families, and citizens question India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash. Leaders call for boycott while government cites tournament compulsion.
Key Highlights
- India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match sparks nationwide political debate.
- Victim families of Pahalgam attack question timing of the clash.
- Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT), AAP, and Congress, call for boycott.
- Government cites ICC/ACC rules, says match is a “compulsion.”
- Public sentiment divided as cricket fans await the much-anticipated showdown.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Sparks Political Controversy
The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry has always stirred emotions, but this year’s Asia Cup 2025 clash has ignited a full-blown political storm. Scheduled for tonight at 8:00 PM IST in Dubai, the high-voltage encounter comes just five months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.
With families of victims voicing grief and anger, opposition leaders across the spectrum have called the timing of the match “insensitive” and urged citizens to boycott both the game and establishments screening it live.
Opposition Leaders Slam Centre, Call for Boycott
Several opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AAP, have hit out at the central government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
- Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) questioned the government’s stance, recalling PM Modi’s earlier remark that “blood and water cannot flow together.” Thackeray asked how “blood and cricket” could flow together, accusing the ruling party of “making patriotism a business for profit.”
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT MP) called on Indians to stand united against Pakistan, adding, “We do not want to play against Pakistan until their players stop glorifying terrorism.”
- Saurabh Bharadwaj (AAP leader) led a protest in Delhi, warning that clubs and restaurants telecasting the game would be exposed. His supporters burned an effigy labeled “Pakistan,” urging the public to boycott.
- Congress MP Imran Masood condemned the move, saying the government was prioritizing ticket sales and profit over the pain of widows and families of martyrs. “Our sisters’ sindoor was wiped away, but they only care about business in the name of cricket,” he said.
Families of Victims Speak Out
Adding to the chorus, families of those killed in the Pahalgam attack expressed deep hurt. Aishanya Dwivedi, wife of slain victim Shubham Dwivedi, said:“It seems the BCCI has no feelings for the 26 who lost their lives. No one from their family died, so they don’t understand. Why must our players play with Pakistan? Even cricketers can take a stand.”
Her statement has further fueled public debate on whether India should have avoided this fixture.
Government Defends Match as ‘Compulsion’
Union Minister Anurag Thakur defended the decision, stressing that India does not play bilateral series with Pakistan but cannot avoid matches in multinational tournaments organized by ICC or ACC.“If India skips the match, Pakistan will get a point by default. It becomes a compulsion, not a choice,” Thakur clarified, urging citizens to view the issue in the larger context of international cricket regulations.
Different Voices From Jammu & Kashmir
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said there should be “no problem” with India facing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments, signaling a more pragmatic approach compared to opposition leaders demanding a boycott.
Match Preview: Cricket Amid Controversy
Despite the political uproar, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the clash. India enters the contest after defeating the UAE, while Pakistan registered a convincing win over Oman. Both sides are strong contenders to reach the Super Four stage, raising the possibility of multiple India-Pakistan encounters in this Asia Cup.
The game begins tonight at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 8:00 PM IST (7:30 PM local time). Millions of fans are expected to tune in, even as protests and boycott campaigns gather momentum back home.