Is it right to play sports with Pak post-Pahalgam attack, asks Aaditya Thackeray; slams govt over security

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday questioned the appropriateness of India playing cricket and hockey matches against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup tournaments, amid the hostilities between the two countries in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Talking to reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex here, he said several questions concerning national security were still unanswered.

"Is it right to play matches with Pakistan when the country is sponsoring terror against us? Should the Indian team play Asia Cup cricket and hockey tournaments against Pakistan? We want a clear answer from the BJP and the Union government," Thackeray said.


The BJP-led government appears to be testing the waters with the Asia Cup hockey scheduled to start in the last week of August. India is the host country and matches will be played in Bihar. It is setting the stage for a potential cricket match in the UAE during the Asia Cup, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA said.

Read more: Pakistan's hockey team to be allowed to compete at Asia Cup in India: Report

"If the BCCI allows the Indian cricket team to play against Pakistan, will the BJP label it as anti-national as it does with others?" he asked.

The Asia Cup T20 is expected to be held in September, while the Asia Cup Hockey tournament is scheduled to begin on August 27 in Bihar.

Thackeray also expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the handling of national security.

"Firstly, the police released a sketch of the accused only to be termed as fake by the NIA later. After Operation Sindoor, government delegations were sent to several countries as if nothing had happened. Is this how national security is protected?" the former Maharashtra minister said.

"There are still several unanswered questions. We will not accept silence as a response," he said.

Thackeray further raised concerns about the country's diplomatic outreach.

"Despite India's repeated objections, Pakistan continues to receive financial assistance from institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. It has now even assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council. What has the External Affairs Ministry achieved with its outreach?" he questioned.

Turning to cricketing ties, Thackeray took a veiled dig at International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, stating, "Even if the BCCI decides to oppose playing against Pakistan, will the ICC under the leadership of Jay Shah actually listen?"