Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary slammed India's decision to play against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 despite the neighbouring nation's involvement in the Pahalgham terror attack, which cost the lives of 26 civilians on 22 April 2025. After the Pahalgham terror attack, India also responded with Operation Sindoor to counter the cross-border terrorism. There were growing demands from fans to not have any sporting relations with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
Tiwary, who represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in his playing days, believes that recent events, especially the Pahalgam terror attack, should not be forgotten when making decisions on cricketing ties.
India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012; both teams face each other in multi-nation tournaments. The Indian government has recently granted clearance for national teams to feature in events involving Pakistan, but it has ruled out bilateral contests. This means that India will play against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
"No, I've earlier said that India should not play against Pakistan because of the reason for the terrorist attacks that happened in Pahalgam and earlier as well. See, the terrorists don't have any religion, to be honest. I believe they don't have any religion. They are individuals who are brainwashed to do these acts. But when we know that these terrorists are coming from the other side of our country, our neighboring country, and when you are aware that Pakistan government is not doing enough to curb this terrorist organization or making an effort to demolish or finish this terrorist organization within Pakistan, then obviously, you can see for yourself that they are not doing enough" told Manoj Tiwary as quoted by Crictracker.
Tiwary also shed light on the Indian Armed Forces and civilians who lost their lives because of cross-border terrorism.
"So, when they are not doing enough or they are not trying to finish the terrorist organization, why would you want to play? We have seen so many innocent civilians lose their lives. Army personnel are losing their lives. And I always say that cricket should always go on, but not at the cost of lives, human lives. I feel human lives are more valuable than your cricket match or the TRPs, or the revenues. I think Pakistan has let down the government of India as well and not done enough to curb this terrorist organisation," added Manoj Tiwary.
"Until unless these things are settled within the countries or we can see the efforts which they are trying to erase the terrorist organization, we should not play the game of cricket between them. There are so many teams that can easily be played if you really want the revenue or the TRPs or whatever it is. We can bring Australia, England, and South Africa nowadays in a bilateral series and play. Why do you want to play with Pakistan, where we can see such things happening? How easily we can forget what has happened in Pahalgam or so many instances which has happened in our country? It is sad, unfortunate that cricket has taken over human life. It should not have happened" Tiwary also said.
India and Pakistan are placed in the same group in the upcoming Asia Cup. Arch-rivals will face each other on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.