Controversy over India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup, politics heated up due to statements of Yogi ministers

Controversy over India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup, politics heated up due to statements of Yogi ministers

Last Updated Jul - 29 - 2025, 06:14 PM | Source : Fela News

UP Minister and Nishad Party President Sanjay Nishad recently stated that the India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025 should be held, saying, “Our players want to play it too.”
This statement has sparked significant controversy in both political and social spheres.

India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group for Asia Cup 2025. The first match is scheduled for September 14. Amid the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and the rising tensions following ‘Operation Sindoor’, there is intense national debate over whether this match should take place.

Sanjay Nishad’s Argument:

He stated that the match should be held from the perspective of both the players and the fans.
“Our players are ready to face them. Cricket in society can be seen as a sport and a form of cultural exchange,” Nishad said during the Lok Sabha session.

Key Objections from the Opposition:

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised a question in Parliament, asking how it is appropriate to watch a match against Pakistan when the government has suspended trade and taken serious steps against terrorism.
He said, “Does the government have the courage to tell the families of those killed in the Pahalgam attack to now watch cricket?”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant also said that, amid current political tensions, it is difficult to separate sports from politics.
He asked, “When the policy on Kashmir is unclear, why allow sporting engagements?”

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee questioned the BJP government's policy, stating that any form of engagement with Pakistan is inappropriate.
“Our only engagement with them should be on the battlefield,” he said.

Sensitivity in the Sports World:

Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin clearly stated, “This match should not be held in the current tense environment.”
He expressed emotional and moral concerns, saying it would not be appropriate to organize the game at this time.

Gautam Gambhir also commented, “When there are deployment and security issues, sport becomes a matter of embarrassment.”

Government and BCCI’s Stand:

The Ministry of Sports has left the final decision to the BCCI, as the National Sports Governance Bill has not yet been passed.
The ministry said, “We will wait for BCCI’s response.”

According to a report, the BCCI has given the green signal to participate in the Asia Cup.
This is being seen as a slight softening in policy and a step toward respecting international sporting sentiments.

Since the tournament is multilateral, if India refuses to play, Pakistan may receive a walkover, which could unfairly benefit them in the points table. Hence, opting out is not considered a viable choice.

Leaders like Sanjay Nishad view the India-Pakistan match as a symbol of sportsmanship.

Meanwhile, opposition parties—Owaisi, Sawant, and Banerjee—believe that hosting the match amid strong national emotions is inappropriate.

Former cricketers too have taken a firm stand against the match, citing emotional and ethical reasons.

Both the BCCI and the government are currently trying to balance public sentiment with international cricketing policies.

This debate is no longer just about a sporting contradiction—it has evolved into an issue of national sensitivity and diplomatic coordination.

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