Aaditya Thackeray Questions India-Pakistan Matches Amid Security Concerns

Aaditya Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT), questioned on Friday whether it was right for India to play hockey and cricket against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup tournaments, given the tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking to the reporters outside of the Vidhan Bhavan, he said that several questions about national security were still unanswered.

"Is it right to play matches with Pakistan when the country is sponsoring terror against us? Should the Indian team play Asia Cup cricket and hockey tournaments against Pakistan? We want a clear answer from the BJP and the Union government," Thackeray said.

With the Asia Cup hockey tournament set to begin in the final week of August, the BJP-led government seems to be testing the waters. India, is the host country and  the games will be in Bihar. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA claimed that it is preparing the ground for a possible cricket match during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

"If the BCCI allows the Indian cricket team to play against Pakistan, will the BJP label it as anti-national as it does with others?" he asked.

The Asia Cup T20 is anticipated to be held in September, while the Asia Cup Hockey tournament is planned to begin on August 27 in Bihar.

Thackeray also showed his discontent over the Centre's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the handling of national security.

"Firstly, the police released a sketch of the accused only to be called out as fake by the NIA later. After Operation Sindoor, government delegations were sent to several countries as if nothing had happened. Is this how national security is guarded?" the former Maharashtra minister said.

"There are still many unanswered questions. We will not accept silence as a response," he said.

Thackeray further raised concerns about the country's diplomatic outreach.

"Despite India's repeated disapproval, Pakistan continues to acquire financial help from institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. It has now even accepted the presidency of the UN Security Council. What has the External Affairs Ministry achieved with its outreach?" he questioned.

Turning to cricketing ties, Thackeray took a discreet jab at International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, stating, "Even if the BCCI decides to oppose playing against Pakistan, will the ICC under the leadership of Jay Shah actually listen?"