"Country has population of 1.4 billion people.. everyone has different opinions": Ajit Pawar on India-Pak match in Asia Cup

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 13 (ANI): Ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday noted that while some believe sporting ties with Pakistan should be avoided, others feel sports should remain separate from politics.
He said that in a country of 1.4 billion people, everyone has different opinions.
Speaking at the press conference, Ajit Pawar said, "This country has a population of 1.4 billion people, and everyone has different opinions and thoughts. Some people say that they (Pakistan) are our enemies, even though when we try to take a positive stand, positivity is never reflected from their side. On the other hand, there is also a group that says such things should not be brought into sports, that sports should be viewed only as sports."
Pawar added that the decision to go ahead with the match has been taken by the concerned authorities.
"There are as many different opinions as there are people. But what every individual thinks is his own right. My information is that the match is going to happen. Such a decision should have been taken at the concerned level, and it has indeed been taken at that level," Pawar said.
The upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.
Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on Sunday to oppose the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 cricket match.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Delhi chief Mangat Ram Munde announced in a written statement.
The Indian national cricket team is taking on Pakistan for the first time in an international cricket match after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Ahead of the clash, there had been a widespread demand from the opposition to boycott the match. However, the Centre had issued no objection from the Indian team to playing against Pakistan in any multi-nation tournament. (ANI)