The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for today in Dubai, has been met with massive criticism and boycott calls, fueled by the recent Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian tourists were killed. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with many questioning the decision to proceed with the match, deeming it an insult to the victims and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has emerged as one of the most vocal critics, questioning the government's priorities. He has questioned whether financial gains from the match outweigh the value of human lives, asking if "money [is] more valuable than 26 lives?". Owaisi also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous statements that "blood and water cannot flow together" and that dialogue and terrorism cannot happen together. He highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy, questioning how cricket can be allowed when trade, water, and flights with Pakistan have been suspended.
Echoing Owaisi's sentiments, Aishanya Dwivedi, the widow of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack, has condemned the match and appealed for a boycott. She criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allegedly ignoring the sacrifices of the victims, accusing them of insensitivity. "Their martyrdom holds no value for the BCCI. Perhaps because none of their own were lost," she stated. Dwivedi questioned what the revenue from the match would be used for, suggesting Pakistan would use it for terrorism.
Several other political parties, including the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT), have also voiced their opposition to the match. Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), announced 'Sindoor' protests across Maharashtra, emphasizing that boycotting the match would send a strong message about India's stance against terrorism. AAP leaders in Delhi burnt an effigy symbolizing Pakistani players.
The boycott calls have resonated with the public, with hashtags like #BoycottIndvsPak trending on social media. Many citizens have expressed their intention to switch off their televisions and avoid any involvement with the match. Some public figures have also joined the movement, with some stating they would unfollow cricket enthusiasts on their social media timelines.
The BCCI appears to be taking note of the growing discontent. Reports suggest that senior officials have decided to distance themselves from the match, with no top officials attending the game in Dubai. This move is seen as an "invisible" boycott by the Indian cricket board. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, a BCCI official said, "We agreed to the match after getting permission from the government. If we come on camera during the match, then attempts would be made to create an atmosphere against us".
Despite the widespread criticism, some voices have defended the decision to play the match. Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, acknowledged the differing opinions on the matter, stating that in a country of 1.4 billion people, such differences are bound to exist. He noted that some may oppose the match due to strained relations, while others may support it.
The controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan cricket match highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national sentiment. While the match is a significant event for cricket fans worldwide, the timing and the recent terror attack have ignited a debate about whether prioritizing sporting ties is appropriate in light of national security concerns and the pain inflicted on the victims' families.
