A high-stakes India-Pakistan cricket match, which is to be held on September 14 during the Asia Cup 2025, has set off a political firestorm in India. The fact that it is being played just four months after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack has prompted angry opposition fire from party leaders and the citizenry.
The critics point out that playing Pakistan at cricket when the nation is mourning a national tragedy compromises the nation’s moral position against terrorism. The match also coincides with India’s ongoing counter-terror offensive, Operation Sindoor, raising more questions regarding sports diplomacy under such strained conditions.
Political Row Breaks Out Over Asia Cup Schedule
India and Pakistan, as per the Asia Cup 2025 schedule announced on July 26—on Kargil Vijay Diwas—will confront each other on September 14 in the group stages. Billed as the greatest cricket rivalry, the match is back during tense relations after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which at least 26 people were killed.
India retaliated with strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and POK. Pakistan remains accused of state-supported terror, fueling long-festering tensions.
Opposition leaders have condemned the move to play. They say that no sporting relationship should be resumed with Pakistan while the brains behind the Pahalgam attack are still on the loose.
Opposition Says ‘No Cricket Over Bloodshed’
Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP in the Rajya Sabha from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, denounced the scheduling. She blamed the BCCI for putting profit above patriotism.
“Stop your profit over the blood of Indians and Armed Forces,” she posted on X. “All of us Indians will protest any engagement with Pakistan on the cricket ground, whichever country you move this to.”
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat seconded the view. “Patriotism and national feeling are wounded by Pakistan’s actions,” he stated, arguing that only after decisive action against the culprits can any engagement take place.
Retired Players Condemn the Hypocrisy
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin too sought consistency in India’s policy. “If you are not playing bilateral matches, you should not play them in tournaments as well,” he said, but deferring to the government and BCCI’s last word.
A few days ago, several retired Indian cricketers—Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan—withdrew from a legends’ match in England against Pakistan, their protest against the Pahalgam killings an indication of deep resentment even among the ex-players.
Beyond the Game: Three Showdowns Possible
The Asia Cup will have eight sides from September 9. India and Pakistan will face each other in the group stage on September 14, and may again face each other in the Super Four and possibly even the final. While fans wait for the confrontation, popular debate continues to be split over whether cricket should go on when diplomacy and security are on weak footing.
As India continues Operation Sindoor and navigates heightened border tensions, the question remains: can cricket be truly separate from conflict?
