Sanjay Dwivedi, whose son was killed in the
Pahalgam terror attack, has voiced strong opposition to the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match in the T20
Asia Cup on September 14 in Dubai. He urged the government to take action, citing the April terror attack that claimed 26 lives and the previous stance of cutting ties with Pakistan.
"On 22nd April 2025, Pakistan killed 26 innocent people of our country. The government of India had said that it would have no relations with Pakistan and that blood and water cannot flow together. Since the day I learned about the India vs Pakistan match, not just I but the entire country has been opposing it, saying there should be no relations, political or in the sports field, with Pakistan. I oppose this and urge the government to take action in this matter, keeping public sentiment in mind," Dwivedi told ANI.
The central government recently updated its sports policy regarding competitions with Pakistan. Indian athletes can now participate in multinational events but will stay away from bilateral competitions.
India's cricket team has already shown strong form in the tournament, beating UAE by nine wickets in their opening match. After facing Pakistan, they will play their last group game against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament will then move to the Super 4 stage, where top teams from each group will compete. If India tops Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be in Dubai. A second-place finish would mean playing one match in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai. The Super 4 games will run from September 20 to 26. The tournament will conclude with the final in Dubai on September 28.
India and Pakistan can play twice more in the Asia Cup if things work themselves out. Another contest, in the Super 4 stage, is a strong possibility after losses for UAE and Oman in their respective opening matches, leaving door open for the giants of Asian cricket to progress.
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