The upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai has stirred a wave of controversy and emotional debate, particularly in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. Aishanya Dwivedi, the widow of Shubham Dwivedi, who was among the 26 killed in the Pahalgam attack, has passionately appealed for a boycott of the match, calling it an insult to the victims and their families.
Dwivedi has voiced her anguish and questioned the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to agree to the fixture, accusing them of being insensitive to the grief of the bereaved families. "BCCI should not have accepted a match between India and Pakistan. I think BCCI is not sentimental towards those 26 families," she stated. She also criticized the silence of Indian cricketers on the matter.
Her sentiments echo the broader outrage and grief felt by many who believe that engaging in sporting events with Pakistan, in light of the terror attack, is disrespectful and disregards national sentiment. Dwivedi urged cricket fans to abstain from watching the game, fearing that the revenue generated would inadvertently fund terrorism. "Don't switch on your TVs. Don't give them the numbers. Boycott this match," she appealed.
The Pahalgam attack, which targeted Hindu tourists in the Baisaran Valley, was carried out by militants armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident, considered the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
India responded to the attack by launching cross-border strikes targeting alleged terror camps in Pakistan. The Indian government also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and took other diplomatic measures.
The decision to proceed with the cricket match has drawn criticism from opposition parties as well. Leaders have questioned the morality of playing cricket with Pakistan, accusing the government and the BCCI of prioritizing commercial interests over national sentiments. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced that his party would stage a symbolic protest against the match, emphasizing that "blood and cricket cannot flow together". The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also been at the forefront of protests, condemning the government for prioritizing commercial values over national feelings.
Defending India's participation, Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated that playing in multi-national competitions is a "compulsion" to avoid losing matches and points. He reiterated that India's policy of not playing bilateral series with Pakistan remains unchanged until cross-border terrorism ends. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia echoed this sentiment, stating that the board is adhering to the government's sporting policy. He expressed hope that the Indian team's victory would serve as a "befitting reply to all the negative forces working against the country".
Despite the government's stance, the emotional appeal from the Pahalgam attack victim's wife has resonated with many, sparking a nationwide debate about whether sports should transcend political realities and national tragedies. The controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan match highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national sentiment in the region.
