Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticised the BJP government for allowing the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match to go ahead in Dubai despite the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Speaking at the Jalsa Rahmatul-lil-Alameen public meeting in Darussalaam on the night of September 13–14, Owaisi accused the government of putting commercial interests above national security. “We ask the Prime Minister, when you said blood and water cannot flow together, dialogue and terrorism cannot happen together, then how much money will the BCCI get from one cricket match — Rs 2000 crore, Rs 3000 crore? Is the value of money more than the lives of our 26 citizens?” Owaisi asked.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader, who was part of the Operation Sindoor global outreach delegation, said the government’s stand was inconsistent. He added that the opposition stood with the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a moment of national grief that should not be overshadowed by cricket diplomacy.
Owaisi’s anger was reflected in his sharp words: “Agar tumhari beti mar jati toh cricket khelte?” (If your daughter had died, would you still play cricket?).
Owaisi takes a strong stance on India Versus Pakistan Asia Cup Cricket match. Why play cricket with Pakistan?
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 14, 2025
The Pahalgam attack, carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, killed 26 tourists and has fuelled calls for boycotting Pakistan in cricket and other platforms. Congress leader Abhishek Dutt had earlier echoed similar sentiments, saying the decision to play Pakistan contradicted the government’s stated policy of “no talks with terror, no trade with terror.”
With the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan set for September 14 in Dubai, the political storm over the decision continues to intensify, even as fans brace for one of cricket’s most high-voltage encounters.
