Former Indian cricketer and politician Manoj Tiwary expressed his conviction that the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup should be called off.
Controversy Surrounds Asia Cup India-Pakistan Match Amid Border Tensions
A contentious decision by cricket’s governing bodies has sparked debate after scheduling the Asia Cup tournament amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The tournament, set to run from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, officially lists the India-Pakistan clash for September 14.
Many anticipated that the match—or even the entire tournament—might be canceled following the March Pahalgam terror attacks and the subsequent military actions by both countries. The cricket boards and the Asian Cricket Council have faced criticism for proceeding with the fixture despite the ongoing friction.
Former Indian cricketer and West Bengal minister Manoj Tiwary openly condemned the decision in an ANI interview. “I am against it. The India-Pakistan match should not be held. Especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which civilians have been killed. After that, Operation Sindoor has taken place,” Tiwary stated, referring to India’s military response involving aerial strikes inside Pakistan.
‘Our Prime Minister is saying…’
A contentious decision by cricket’s governing bodies has sparked debate after scheduling the Asia Cup tournament amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The tournament, set to run from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, officially lists the India-Pakistan clash for September 14.
Many anticipated that the match—or even the entire tournament—might be canceled following the March Pahalgam terror attacks and the subsequent military actions by both countries. The cricket boards and the Asian Cricket Council have faced criticism for proceeding with the fixture despite the ongoing friction.
Former Indian cricketer and West Bengal minister Manoj Tiwary openly condemned the decision in an ANI interview. “I am against it. The India-Pakistan match should not be held. Especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which civilians have been killed. After that, Operation Sindoor has taken place,” Tiwary stated, referring to India’s military response involving aerial strikes inside Pakistan.
“The situation was so bad, how can we think of an India-Pakistan match? I feel it should be reconsidered, and the match should not happen in such an environment,” he continued. “Our Prime Minister is saying that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing… How can we play a match with Pakistan?”
Tiwary’s remarks follow the last-minute cancellation of a legends’ match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing World Championship of Legends in the UK, which was called off after players like Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers withdrew, citing pressure from fans unwilling to see the fixture played under current circumstances.
While the fate of the India-Pakistan match and the Asia Cup remains uncertain, reports suggest that the BCCI agreed to proceed with the tournament to maintain diplomatic goodwill and adhere to the Olympic Charter ahead of India’s planned bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
