Widespread criticism is building against India’s upcoming Asia Cup match with Pakistan, with opposition leaders, activists, and families of terror victims calling it a “deep insult” to national sentiment and the memory of those killed in the April Pahalgam terror attack.
Widow of Pahalgam Attack Victim Leads Call for Boycott
Aishanya Dwivedi, the widow of Kanpur businessman Shubham Dwivedi who was killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, appealed to citizens to boycott the match.
Calling the decision to proceed with the match “deeply insensitive,” she accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of disregarding the pain of the victims’ families.
“Their martyrdom holds no value for the BCCI. Perhaps because none of their own were lost,” she told PTI, urging people not to watch the game.
Opposition Leaders Slam Government, BCCI
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced statewide ‘Sindoor’ protests across Maharashtra, framing the match as an opportunity to show the world India’s stand against terrorism.
“Till the time terror does not stop, we shouldn’t maintain any relations with Pakistan. This cricket match is an insult to national sentiments,” Thackeray said at a press conference, questioning if “blood and cricket can flow together.”
Former Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj staged a protest in New Delhi, burning an effigy symbolising Pakistani players.
“This is a gross humiliation of our women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack, but still our central leadership is going ahead with the match,” he said, later posting on X that “Pakistan’s cricket players mock our widows in such a dirty, disgusting way, and we will play cricket with them. Shame on the BJP government.”
Leaders from the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and AIMIM also joined the chorus of criticism, demanding a boycott.
Government Allies Defend the Decision
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena pushed back, accusing Thackeray of hypocrisy.
“Thackeray, who abandoned Hindutva for power and sings praises of Pakistan, cannot suddenly oppose such matches,” said Naresh Mhaske, MP and Shinde Sena spokesperson.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, however, struck a more balanced tone, acknowledging the mixed public sentiment:
“In a country of 140 crore, there are bound to be differences of opinion. Some people may oppose the match because of strained relations, while others may support it,” he said.
Background: Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, Pakistani terrorists carried out a brutal attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians — most of them tourists — and injuring several others. The incident reignited public anger over cross-border terrorism and has intensified scrutiny of India-Pakistan sporting ties.
