Thackeray Slams Govt: Asia Cup Match with Pakistan a Betrayal of Pahalgam Victims
Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the government Sunday, August 3, 2025, over its decision to allow India to play Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup. He directly linked the cricketing fixture to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused the BJP-led government of prioritizing financial gains and public entertainment over the lives lost in the tragic incident. He questioned the government’s conspicuous silence on the matter.
Thackeray alleged a cynical political strategy, claiming the BJP uses Pakistan as a convenient election tool while simultaneously downplaying the severity of cross-border terrorism. This, he argued, sends a dangerous message of appeasement.
This sharp criticism comes at a sensitive time, highlighting the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national security in the minds of many Indians. The controversy underscores the deep public unease over the government’s approach to tackling terrorism and its perceived political maneuvering. The upcoming match is now laden with a heavy political undercurrent, far beyond the usual sporting excitement.
