Owasi: Why Play Cricket With Pak?

Pune – All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday questioned why India played cricket with Pakistan in the Asia Cup when ties had been suspended with Islamabad in other areas following its support to terrorism with the latest incident being the Pahalgam massacre.

The Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad, however, clarified he has nothing against the Indian team which secured its ninth Asia Cup title, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets, in a thrilling final in Dubai on Sunday.

Owaisi was addressing a rally at Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district to kickstart the party's campaign for the upcoming civic polls in the western state.

“After Pahalgam (attack in April), India launched Operation Sindoor (in May) and destroyed terrorist sites. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, stopped Pakistani planes from using Indian airspace, barred their boats from entering Indian waters and halted trade. When all of this has been done, why are we still playing cricket with Pakistan? What was the need to play that match?” Owaisi asked.

He clarified his objection was not directed towards the Indian cricket team or its players.

“Indian cricket is a great team; Pakistan's team is no match for it. I am not questioning our players. My question is for the Prime Minister. Modiji, you yourself said that blood and water cannot flow together, and that dialogue and terror cannot go hand in hand. You said Operation Sindoor is still on. In such a situation, why did we play those matches?” Owaisi asked.

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