As political sentiment against sporting ties with Pakistan intensifies following the Pahalgam terror attack, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly objected to the scheduled India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. The match is slated for September 14 as part of the tournament’s group stage fixtures.
Speaking during a special Lok Sabha session on Operation Sindoor, Owaisi said, “My conscience does not allow me to watch that match.” His comments reflect growing public and political calls to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and culturally in the wake of cross-border terror incidents.
‘How can we play cricket while we stop water and air access to Pakistan?’: Owaisi
Owaisi pointed out the contradiction between halting water sharing and trade with Pakistan, while simultaneously agreeing to play cricket matches. “When Pakistan’s aircraft cannot enter our airspace, when trade is stopped, how is a cricket match justified?” he questioned.
Further criticizing the government, he rhetorically asked whether officials could face the families of the 25 civilians killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and justify the cricket fixture. “Will you tell them this is revenge and now watch the match?” he asked on the Parliament floor.
Asia Cup 2025: India-Pakistan clash draws sharp criticism
The Asia Cup 2025, beginning September 9, will feature eight participating teams, with the high-profile India-Pakistan match scheduled for September 14. The two cricketing giants are likely to meet again in the Super Four stage, and potentially in the final if both advance.
The scheduling has faced immediate backlash. Opposition leaders have termed the match an attempt to prioritize profits over national sentiment. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called it “blood money,” questioning the rush to resume cricketing ties when Operation Sindoor is reportedly still ongoing.
Backdrop of terror and military response
The criticism comes against the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator lost their lives. In retaliation, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists.
The current opposition to the cricket match mirrors the sentiment seen earlier this year when several retired Indian cricketers — including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan — pulled out of a match in the World Championship of Legends, leading to the cancellation of the India-Pakistan game there as well.