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by Suryaa |
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan has called for India to boycott the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan, saying it is wrong to play cricket after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The India-Pakistan game is scheduled to be held in Dubai on September 14.
Pathan said no explanation can justify playing against Pakistan, a country he accused of supporting terrorism. He reminded people of past attacks such as 26/11, Pulwama, and Pahalgam, where many innocent lives were lost. “We stopped trade, banned their celebrities, and even cut water supply. Then why play cricket with them? How will we answer the victims’ families? India should boycott this match. I will not watch it,” he said.
He also criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for going ahead with the fixture, calling it insensitive.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to stop the match. On Thursday, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi declined an urgent request for an interim stay, saying the game should go on.
Adding to the opposition, Shiv Sena (UBT) has also announced protests against the match. Party leader Sanjay Raut described the decision to play against Pakistan as “treason” and “shamelessness.” He said the party’s women’s wing will launch a campaign called “Sindoor Raksha Abhiyan,” where women will take to the streets to show their anger.
The controversy comes as India prepares for one of the most high-profile matches of the Asia Cup, which often draws massive viewership. But with strong voices of protest from political leaders and groups, the game has become more than just a sporting event.
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