Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has raised concerns over India competing against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup tournaments, especially in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which has heightened tensions between the two countries.
Addressing reporters at the State Assembly on Friday, Thackeray asked, “Is it right for India to play against Pakistan when the country is actively involved in sponsoring terrorism against us? Should Indian teams participate in the cricket and hockey Asia Cup events with Pakistan involved? We demand a clear response from both the BJP and the Union government.”
The Asia Cup hockey tournament, scheduled to begin in the last week of August, will be hosted in Bihar, India. Thackeray alleged that the BJP-led government is paving the way for a possible cricket match between India and Pakistan, likely to be held in the UAE during the Asia Cup T20 in September.
He also posed a pointed question to the BCCI: “If the BCCI goes ahead and allows the Indian cricket team to face Pakistan, will the BJP label it as anti-national, as they have with others?”
Thackeray also expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre’s handling of national security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. He questioned the government’s response, particularly highlighting the confusion surrounding the police’s initial release of a suspect sketch, which was later discredited by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He criticized the post-attack measures, pointing out that despite Operation Sindoor, delegations were sent abroad as if the situation had been resolved. “Is this how national security is safeguarded?” he asked.
The former Maharashtra minister further raised concerns about India’s diplomatic outreach, especially regarding Pakistan’s continued financial assistance from international bodies such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. He noted that despite India’s repeated objections, Pakistan still receives such aid and has even assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council. “What has the Ministry of External Affairs achieved with its diplomatic outreach?” Thackeray questioned.
In a subtle critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Thackeray made a remark about the organization’s leadership under Jay Shah, saying, “Even if the BCCI opposes matches against Pakistan, will the ICC, led by Jay Shah, actually listen?”
