AIMIM chief Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi has voiced strong opposition to the upcoming India–Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025.
He cannot bring himself to watch the game following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed Indian soldiers just five months ago.
The much-anticipated group stage match is scheduled for September 14, according to the tournament fixture released three days ago.
The clash between the arch-rivals has once again reignited debate over whether sporting ties should continue amid heightened political and security tensions.
Speaking during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha,
Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi said:
“My conscience won’t allow me to watch the India-Pakistan match. Just months ago, we lost brave soldiers in Pahalgam. How can we normalize ties while the wounds are still fresh?”
Asaduddin Owaisi remarks reflect a growing sentiment among the Opposition and sections of the public, who believe India should reconsider cricketing relations with Pakistan due to its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
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Several other political leaders and former cricketers have also raised concerns, calling for a boycott of the match as a symbolic stand against terrorism.
However, the BCCI has maintained that it is preparing for the tournament as scheduled, and no formal decision has been taken to pull out.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in the UAE from September 5 to 14, with the India–Pakistan match set to be a major fixture in the group stage.