Preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 are in full swing, but meanwhile an MP in the Lok Sabha has made such a statement, which is creating a stir among cricket fans.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said in Parliament that India should not play cricket with Pakistan.
His statement has come when India and Pakistan will face each other in the Asia Cup to be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September.
Asia Cup: India should not play cricket with Pakistan – Lok Sabha MP
Sawant said this during the debate on Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor in Parliament.
He raised the question that when Pakistan was begging for a ceasefire, why did India stop the war without any conditions?
Sawant said, “Pakistan has hurt India repeatedly. In such a situation, it is not right to play cricket with them.”
Asia Cup 2025: India-Pakistan cricket dispute
The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in T20 format, which is part of the preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
In this tournament, India and Pakistan are in Group A, which also includes UAE and Oman.
A high-voltage India-Pakistan match is expected on September 14. Both teams may clash again on September 21 in the Super Four stage.
But Sawant believes that given the history, India should not take the field with Pakistan.
Sawant also expressed displeasure over the lack of international support during Operation Sindoor. He said that China and Turkey supported Pakistan, while India was left standing alone.
Not only this, he also told that despite India’s opposition, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave loan to Pakistan, which is currently facing financial crisis.
Sawant, referring to the 1971 war, said that Indira Gandhi had adopted a tough stance at that time.
He suggested that now is the time for India to show the same strong attitude again.
He said, “If India was in a better position at that time, then who stopped it from taking back POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir)?”
At present, India-Pakistan matches have always been one of the most watched matches in the world of cricket. But Sawant’s statement is raising questions on this exciting clash.
Now it remains to be seen whether the Indian government will pay attention to this suggestion or the passion for cricket will prevail over politics.
