Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday over the scheduled India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, set for September 14 in Abu Dhabi. Thackeray accused the BCCI of prioritising financial gain over national interest, labelling their decision to play Pakistan as "anti-national" in light of recent terror attacks, including the Pahalgam incident, which India attributes to Pakistan.

Thackeray questioned the BJP’s silence, suggesting a shift in the party’s ideology. "If blood and water cannot flow together, how can cricket and blood?" he posted on X, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. He urged broadcasters to boycott the match and asked why the BCCI could not withdraw when Pakistan previously boycotted an Asia Cup in India, citing security concerns. Thackeray argued that the BCCI’s motives were driven by "greed for money, TV revenue, and advertisement."

In response, Maharashtra minister and BCCI representative Ashish Shelar defended the decision, stating that international tournaments like the Asia Cup, hosted in the UAE, cannot be dictated by bilateral tensions. Shelar criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s stance as "anti-India," noting that the Indian team does not tour Pakistan, but participation in multilateral events is necessary. He also referenced late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s hospitality toward Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad to highlight inconsistencies in the party’s position.

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The controversy intensified as Raut announced a "Sindoor Raksha" protest on match day to oppose sporting ties with Pakistan. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between India-Pakistan relations and cricket diplomacy, with the Asia Cup match drawing scrutiny amid heightened political sensitivities.

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