In a fiery political statement, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply criticized India’s decision to participate in the Asia Cup cricket tournament against Pakistan. He questioned the rationale behind playing matches when diplomatic ties remain strained due to persistent terrorist activities, including the tragic Pahalgam massacre.
Speaking at a rally in Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, Owaisi clarified that his critique was directed at the government’s policies, not the Indian cricket team, which recently clinched its ninth Asia Cup title against Pakistan in Dubai. The Hyderabad MP highlighted a perceived inconsistency in Prime Minister Modi’s approach, referencing India’s historical strong actions against Pakistan.
Asaduddin Owaisi and PM Narendra Modi (PTI)
“After Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, successfully destroying terrorist sites. India has previously suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, restricted Pakistani planes from using Indian airspace, and banned their boats from Indian waters, halting trade,” Owaisi stated. “Given all these firm actions, why are we still engaging in cricket with Pakistan? What was the necessity of playing that match?”
Owaisi reiterated his respect for the Indian cricket team, acknowledging their superior performance. “Indian cricket is a formidable team; Pakistan’s team is simply no match for it. My questions are not for our players, but for the Prime Minister,” he emphasized. “Mr. Modi, you yourself famously declared that ‘blood and water cannot flow together,’ and that ‘dialogue and terror cannot go hand in hand.’ You also stated that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. In light of these declarations, why did we proceed with those matches?”
The AIMIM leader expressed particular dismay at Prime Minister Modi’s social media post, which allegedly drew a parallel between India’s cricket victory and Operation Sindoor. “By equating a mere cricket match with the seriousness of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister is, in fact, insulting the unwavering valor and sacrifices of our armed forces. How can a sporting event possibly be compared to their profound dedication?” Owaisi questioned, wondering aloud what the Indian Air Force pilots responsible for the BrahMos missile strikes would make of such a comparison.
Owaisi also touched upon broader international relations, criticizing former US President Donald Trump’s past claims of mediating Indo-Pak tensions during a May military conflict. He linked this to domestic economic concerns, noting that Trump’s tariffs were reportedly causing job losses in India while the ruling BJP government seemingly prioritized a narrative of nationalism.
The article concluded by mentioning that Owaisi’s visit to Kolhapur was met with opposition from certain Hindutva organizations. In response to a police notice, Owaisi reportedly highlighted his previous role in a government delegation to Gulf countries, where he had represented India’s stance on terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.