India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash tomorrow has triggered a fresh political storm in the country. This comes less than five months after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. With families still mourning, several opposition leaders have questioned the decision to play Pakistan on the international stage.
Leaders from Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party called for a boycott of the match. AAP workers even burnt a Pakistan effigy outside their office. Ex-minister Saurabh Bharadwaj urged people to avoid clubs and restaurants that screen the game.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray asked how “blood and cricket” can go together, while MP Priyanka Chaturvedi insisted that India should not play Pakistan until their cricketers stop supporting terrorists. Congress MP Imran Masood accused authorities of putting money above the sacrifices of soldiers.
Victims’ families also voiced anger. Aishanya Dwivedi, who lost her husband in Pahalgam, said the BCCI “has no feelings” for the 26 victims.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur defended India’s participation, stressing it is mandatory in multi-nation tournaments. J&K CM Omar Abdullah added that India has long avoided bilateral cricket with Pakistan but plays in multi-team events. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup remains the most anticipated fixture, starting tomorrow at 8 pm.
