Aaditya Thackeray criticizes BJP for ‘Double Standards’ over India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match

Thackeray pointed out that while there was a terror attack in Pahalgam where Indian soldiers lost their lives, the government is allowing a cricket match with Pakistan, which he called a mockery of national sentiments.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the central government over the India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup. Thackeray pointed out that while there was a terror attack in Pahalgam where Indian soldiers lost their lives, the government is allowing a cricket match with Pakistan, which he called a mockery of national sentiments.

He said the government hasn't spoken out against the match. "It is being called a big event, yet the government says nothing. That is shameful," he said. He asked why the BCCI wasn't asked to pull out of the tournament, even though India is sending delegations over Pakistan to all over the world.

Thackeray questioned whether money and cricket's appeal have become more important than the sacrifices of soldiers who died in the terror attack. He argued that the government's decision to play against Pakistan is an insult to the feelings of Indians who are still upset about the attack.

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

He also accused the BJP of using the Pakistan issue only during elections. "When elections come, Pakistan is brought up, but even after attacks, playing cricket with them shows double standards," he said.

Thackeray said the government's message on Friendship Day is that even if Pakistan attacks innocent Indians, they will still play cricket because it helps in elections. "The government's silence and BCCI's involvement is a betrayal of India's emotions," he added.

He further said that BJP will only bring up the issue of Pakistan during elections. Otherwise, it's fine for them to play cricket even though there have been many terror attacks. He said in his post that Friendship Day message from the Government of India: This is how real friendship should be... They can attack innocent Indians, but we will still play cricket with them! Because we can use their name in elections.

The central government cut all diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Even the Indus Water Treaty was put on hold, and flights from Pakistan were banned from Indian airspace. However, the schedule for the Asia Cup series has now been released. The match between India and Pakistan is included.