As anticipation builds around the high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter in the Asia Cup 2025, former cricketer and West Bengal minister Manoj Tiwary has voiced strong opposition to the match, citing national security and emotional sentiment.
Manoj Tiwary Calls for Boycott Amid Security Tensions
Speaking to ANI, Tiwary said,
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Operation Sindoor in Parliament. It is still going on. If Operation Sindoor is still on, then the match should not happen.”
He went further, stating:
“We all saw what happened in Pahalgam. Our soldiers are sacrificing their lives. If our government is taking strict action, then we should also respond strongly in other areas like cricket. There should be no cricket match with Pakistan.”
Tiwary’s comments come at a time when emotions are running high in the country after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers.
India vs Pakistan — Set for a 3-Match Showdown?
Despite growing political and public backlash, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has finalized the 2025 Asia Cup schedule. If all goes as planned, India and Pakistan are expected to face off up to three times:
- Group Stage – September 14, 2025
- Super Four – September 21, 2025
- Final (if both qualify) – September 28, 2025
Not the First to Speak Out
Tiwary joins a growing list of voices questioning the decision to proceed with the match. Recently, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly also commented on the matter. Speaking to NDTV, he said:
“Let the Government decide,”
emphasizing that while he personally supports cricket between the two nations, the final call lies with the Indian government.
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria also urged the BCCI to withdraw from the tournament, citing “martyrs deserve respect more than cricket.”
BCCI Maintains Silence — So Far
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made an official statement about withdrawing from the match, insiders suggest that unless the Indian government issues a directive, India is likely to participate in all scheduled fixtures — including those against Pakistan.
Public Sentiment vs. Diplomatic Sport
This year’s Asia Cup has become more than just a cricket tournament — it’s now a political flashpoint. With Operation Sindoor ongoing and cross-border tensions still unresolved, the India vs Pakistan clash represents a deeper debate on whether sports should be insulated from geopolitics.
