In a sharp critique of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has penned a letter to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, questioning the decision to play a match against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Thackeray's letter challenges the BCCI's priorities, asking whether the cricketing body is "above the national interest" and the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. The controversy centres around the two high-stakes matches scheduled to take place in Dubai, raising concerns about the government's stance on terrorism and its diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan on the global stage.
Thackeray’s letter argues that the BCCI's decision is a "shameful act," driven solely by the "desire for the money and ad revenue." He contends that the board is holding "the sindoor, and lives of our jawans as negligible" in pursuit of financial gain. Thackeray highlighted that many nations have isolated other countries in sports for the "greater good of humanity," with terrorism being a prime example. The leader's impassioned plea suggests that the BCCI's actions are a betrayal of the nation's principles and the sacrifices of its armed forces.
The former Maharashtra minister drew a strong parallel to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's past statements, referencing his declaration from the Red Fort that "water and blood cannot flow together." Thackeray questioned the apparent contradiction between this strong political stance and the BCCI's decision to proceed with the match. He also brought up the recent Pahalgam attack, accusing Pakistan of being behind the incident. "We sent out delegations to the world, saying Pakistan is behind Pahalgam," he wrote, "Now, will we send out delegations to the world to justify why we are playing cricket with them?"
Furthermore, Thackeray pointed out what he sees as a double standard, noting that Pakistan's hockey team recently backed out of playing in India, citing security concerns. He contrasted this with the BCCI's willingness to play Pakistan for "selfish interest," calling it a truly shameful act. He also suggested that BCCI officials should be given a textbook with a chapter on the Pahalgam attack to better understand the gravity of the situation.
The Asia Cup is set to begin in the UAE on September 9, with the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. A second potential match could take place on September 21, with the final on September 29, also in Dubai. The tournament will be held in the T20I format in preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will take place early next year. India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10 before facing Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.