'Government had it in their hands to stop..don't understand what they will...': India's T20 World Cup winning star calls for boycott of India vs Pakistan clash

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary slams India's decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The Bengal spinner believes that the Central government would have stopped it from happening, but they chose against it. The Indian government and the BCCI are currently facing a lot of criticism for their decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup despite the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor to counter the cross-border terrorism after the Pahalgam terror attack that cost the lives of 26 civilians. There were growing demands from fans to not have any sporting relations with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Indian Sports Ministry clarified that India can play Pakistan in the international and multilateral events, but can't engage in bilateral sports events in each other's country".

ALSO READ: 'They are expected to represent the country...': Suniel Shetty urges fans not to blame Indian cricketers for featuring against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

ALSO READ: 'They have to push 10–20 per cent extra...': England's Ashes-winning star picks India as 'favourites' against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 clash

"I don't want to say anything. Unfortunate that this match is happening. I'm very sad. How can you watch it? I said earlier that I would boycott this match. I also said that I will personally boycott the entire Asia Cup and I'm not watching it. From Pulwama to Pahalgam, there are so many terrorist attacks and everyone knows where these terrorists come from and despite that, you have to play this match," Tiwary told IANS.

"I don't understand what they will achieve by playing this match. You will only get one trophy or make the country proud; nothing more can be achieved from it. You have many other tournaments where you can play and make your country proud. What's the need to play a match with them (Pakistan)? 'Blood and water can't flow together', someone has said this, but now it's been flowing together. It will be very painful for the families who lost their near and dear ones in those attacks.

"Central government had it in their hands to stop this (match) but didn't do it and nothing can be more adverse than this," the West Bengal Minister of State for Sports added while slamming the centre's decision to give a go-ahead for the match.

The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan will take place on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai and this will be the first cricketing outing between both teams after the Operation Sindoor. India last faced Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Virat Kohli's unbeaten century helped the Men in Blue to register a one-sided six wicket win.