Aaditya Thackeray Questions BCCI, ICC, BJP's Motives Behind India-Pakistan Cricket Match

Aaditya Thackeray, a key figure in the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the India-Pakistan cricket match in the ongoing Asia Cup. Speaking to the media, Thackeray questioned the motives behind the decision, particularly the roles of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), ICC (International Cricket Council), and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

Thackeray pointed out that if Pakistan could withdraw from the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, which was hosted in Bihar, then why can't India withdraw from playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup? He emphasized the sentiment of the nation, noting that the public had boycotted the match, which he sees as a reflection of national sentiment.

"Earlier, they said that blood and water cannot flow together. But I thank the public of the nation as they boycotted the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match. This is the sentiment of the nation. The BJP want to make use of this sentiment in the elections... Pakistan withdrew from the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, which was hosted in Bihar, and why can't India withdraw from playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup? The officials in the BCCI, ICC, and Asia Cup are post-bearers of the BJP who scheduled the India-Pak match on Sunday so that they can make money out of it," Thackeray said.

The comments come in the wake of India's thumping seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group A clash on Sunday. This win extended India's dominance in T20Is against Pakistan to 11-3. The match was particularly significant given the recent tensions between the two nations, including the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces.

Despite the pressure and online backlash, the Suryakumar-led Indian side maintained their focus and clinched a decisive victory. The match was a crucial one for both teams, with India's win solidifying their position in the tournament.

Meanwhile, protests against the match have been ongoing. Shiv Sena (UBT) burned the Pakistani national flag in front of the Thiruvananthapuram Accountant General (AG)'s office in protest. Women workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) also staged a protest in Mumbai with sindoor, opposing India's participation in the match.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had earlier strongly opposed the match, urging people to boycott it. In a self-made video posted on X, she stated, "This match is not India versus Pakistan, but BCCI versus Pakistan. Because the real Team India will not play with terrorists, nor will it hurt the sentiments of the people in the country."

The controversy surrounding the match highlights the complex political and emotional landscape between India and Pakistan, where sports often serve as a microcosm of broader tensions. Thackeray's comments add another layer to this debate, questioning the financial and political incentives behind such high-stakes matches.