The Union Sports Ministry has approved the upcoming Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan. However, the decision has triggered sharp criticism from several quarters, with many former cricketers and political leaders calling the move insensitive.
Sanjay Raut Raises Objection
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut strongly opposed the match and wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to cancel it. Sharing the letter on X, Raut said, “The blood of Indians killed in the Pahalgam attack has not dried, and the tears of their families have not stopped. Still, playing cricket with Pakistan is inhuman!”
Key Points from Raut’s Letter
In his letter, Raut expressed anguish over the government’s decision and raised several pointed questions:
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If Operation Sindoor against Pakistan is still underway, how can India play cricket with them?
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The Pahalgam terror attack carried out by Pakistani terrorists left 26 women widowed. Has the government considered their grief?
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Is India being pressured by foreign powers, like former US President Trump, to resume cricket ties with Pakistan?
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The Prime Minister himself once said, “Blood and water cannot flow together.” Then, can blood and cricket flow together?
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Matches with Pakistan fuel betting and online gambling, with allegations of BJP leaders being involved. Does this benefit the ruling party?
“Insult to Soldiers’ Sacrifice”
Raut further stated that playing cricket with Pakistan dishonors the bravery of Indian soldiers and martyrs, including Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He reminded the Prime Minister that if such matches were held in Maharashtra, Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena would have disrupted them.
Shiv Sena’s Stand
The Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the government’s decision, claiming that prioritizing cricket with Pakistan over patriotism and Hindutva undermines national sentiment. Raut concluded by asserting that the move was deeply disrespectful to the memories of martyrs and the emotions of ordinary citizens.
