Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025. Location: Dubai International Stadium. The grand showdown between India and Pakistan is set to unfold at the Asia Cup 2025. After a year, both nations return to the cricket field. This time around, the thrill among Indian fans seems muted. The reason is clear: the horrific event where Pakistani terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians in the Pahalgam Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.
This match has stirred political controversy. Many parties have called for a boycott of the match, arguing that playing against Pakistan is an insult to the martyrs.
In protest against the India-Pakistan cricket match, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organized a symbolic burning of effigies in Delhi. The effigy of the Pakistan cricket team was set aflame, with AAP senior leader and former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in attendance. Other protestors chanted slogans, emphasizing that 'Blood and sports cannot coexist.'
What is BCCI's stance on the India-Pakistan match?
Recently, the BCCI Secretary stated that the board strictly adheres to the central government's directives. The government's policy allows India to participate in ICC tournaments with Pakistan, but prohibits any bilateral series.
Politics in Maharashtra around the Match
Shiv Sena Uddhav faction leader Uddhav Thackeray has used the India-Pakistan match to criticize the central government. He questioned the rationale behind playing with a nation with whom conflicts exist. Thackeray expressed, 'Are they mocking patriotism? It's not just a mockery, but they are trading in the name of patriotism. For them, business seems to surpass national interest.'
Shiv Sena's Uddhav faction used this match as a pretext to attack BJP. In response, Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane criticized them by suggesting that even leaders like Aaditya Thackeray might secretly watch the match under disguise.
Questions Raised by Punjab's Chief Minister
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also expressed disapproval, pointing out what he sees as the government's double standards. He highlighted, 'When Diljit Dosanjh's film releases, they label it traitorous. But since the big boss’s son is involved with ICC and BCCI, everything is considered justified.'
Congress Voices Concerns
Congress leader Imran Masood, in conversation with news agency ANI, commented, 'They should feel ashamed. Playing matches with those who desecrated the honor of our sisters is disgraceful. The government should be ashamed too, lacking even basic moral principles.'
What did Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister say?
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concerns, stating, 'Our issue has always been with bilateral cricket matches. I don’t believe we've ever had concerns with the multilateral aspects of major tournaments... What happened cannot be overlooked. My state remains directly affected... We've all witnessed what transpired in Pahalgam. These are our real concerns.'
