MP lashes out over scheduling of India-Pakistan clash amid post-attack tensions
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has launched a fierce attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the central government following the confirmation of an India-Pakistan match in the 2025 Asia Cup. Her criticism comes in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in April, which left 26 civilians dead and was attributed to Pakistan-backed groups.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chaturvedi condemned the decision to proceed with the high-profile fixture despite widespread public anger and national security concerns.
“When money is more important than the blood of our fellow Indians and our men in uniform. Shame on GoI (Government of India) for being a hypocrite on Operation Sindoor. And dear BCCI—this is not just blood money that you’ll seek to earn but also cursed money.”
— Priyanka Chaturvedi via X, August 3, 2025
“Blockbuster Fixture: India vs Pakistan scheduled for 14 September, 2025 with potential rematches during Super Four and Final”
When money is more important than the blood of our fellow Indians and our men in uniform. Shame on GoI for being a hypocrite on Operation Sindoor. And… pic.twitter.com/AJG4xruesB— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) August 3, 2025
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced that the Asia Cup will take place from September 9–28 in the UAE, with India and Pakistan placed in the same group alongside the UAE and Oman. The much-anticipated match between the two arch-rivals is scheduled for September 14, and they may potentially face off again in the Super Four round and the final.
“We are confident that the 2025 edition will not only set new standards for excellence but also deepen the connection between the game and millions of passionate supporters across the continent.”
— Asian Cricket Council (official statement)
“Name and shame” call directed at commercial partners
Chaturvedi’s outrage wasn’t reserved for cricketing authorities alone. She urged citizens to hold accountable the commercial entities associated with the broadcast and streaming of the India-Pakistan match, calling for direct public action.
“Name and shame every sponsor, broadcaster, streaming app that attempts to make money out of this India Pak match, because clearly BCCI and GoI are shamelessly going ahead with this match, leaves us Indian citizens to make our voices loud and clear.”
— Priyanka Chaturvedi via X
In a further escalation, she challenged the government’s regulatory arms to act decisively.
“I ask the @MIB_India and @GoI_MeitY to ban all the streaming apps and broadcast channels that show the India/Pak match live. Or will they buckle too?”
— Priyanka Chaturvedi via X
Name and Shame every sponsor, broadcaster , streaming app that attempts to make money out of this India Pak match, because clearly BCCI and GoI are shamelessly going ahead with this match, leaves us Indian citizens to make our voices loud and clear.
I ask the @MIB_India and…— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) August 3, 2025
“Moral bankruptcy” and a broader political narrative
Chaturvedi also echoed her previous criticism of Indian cricketers participating in matches against Pakistan, referencing the now-cancelled India Champions vs Pakistan Champions game in the World Championship of Legends. That fixture was called off after Indian players refused to take the field, in alignment with public sentiment.
She described the broader approach to such engagements as evidence of “moral bankruptcy.”
India had earlier carried out Operation Sindoor—its retaliatory strike across the Line of Control in May. Ceasefire between India and Pakistan was reestablished on May 10 following back-channel military communication.
Chaturvedi’s Shiv Sena (UBT) colleague Aditya Thackeray also weighed in publicly on the issue:
Blockbuster Fixture it seems.
And the Government of India doesn’t say a word on it. What a shame!
After the Pahalgham attack, and the government sending delegations across the world to apparently call out pak and pak based terrorism, the Government isn’t willing to tell the… pic.twitter.com/xxoamxxh2o
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) August 3, 2025
Ministry’s hands tied, BCCI operates independently—for now
Amid growing outrage, the government appears to be treading cautiously. While a clear position has been maintained against bilateral sports ties with Pakistan, the India-Pakistan encounter is technically part of a multilateral event governed by the Olympic Charter.
“As of now, the BCCI does not come under the purview of the sports ministry as the National Sports Governance Bill is still to be passed. So, the ministry doesn’t have a say, but we will wait and see how the BCCI responds to public sentiment.”
— A sports ministry source, quoted by PTI
With public outrage mounting and prominent voices like Chaturvedi’s amplifying opposition, pressure is likely to intensify on both the BCCI and the central government in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
