"Undermines India's security, dishonours sacrifices of soldiers": Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey on India-Pak match in Asia Cup

New Delhi [India], September 12 (ANI): Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction leader Anand Dubey on Friday wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, demanding the cancellation of the India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup 2025.
"I am writing this letter as a concerned Indian citizen to draw your attention to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Cricket Match scheduled to be held on September 14 2025, in Dubai, in view of the sensitive situation arising after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. This attack, which was carried out by 'The Resistance Front' (TRF), not only hurt our country deeply but also devastated the sindoor of our mothers and sisters. The pain of this tragedy is still fresh in our hearts," he wrote in a letter.
Dubey called the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI's) approval of the match a "betrayal of national interests," citing Pakistan's history of violating India's sovereignty and supporting terrorism, especially after the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians.
Dubey argued the match undermines India's security and dishonours soldiers' sacrifices and criticised the BJP-led government for inconsistency between its words and actions, alleging the BCCI prioritises business over national sentiments.
"The match undermines India's security and dishonours the sacrifices of soldiers, especially in the wake of the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, where 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, were killed by militants linked to The Resistance Front (TRF)," read his letter.
He wrote to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya requesting his resignation and to President Droupadi Murmu seeking BCCI's dismissal.
"BJP-led Union government has a difference in its action and words... We have written two letters - one to Mansukh Mandaviya to resign as a Sports Minister, and the second to the President of India to sack BCCI immediately...," he told ANI.
He requests that athletes and citizens boycott the India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.
"Pakistan is a country that has been violating the sovereignty of India for a long time. Despite unrest on the border, support for terrorism and tension in bilateral relations, Pakistan is being given unnecessary legitimacy by organising such a sporting event. Former cricketers and millions of Indian fans have demanded a boycott of this match, as it is an insult to the sacrifices of our soldiers," added his letter.
Dubey criticised the BJP-led government for inconsistency between its words and actions, alleging that the BCCI prioritises business over national sentiments.
"BCCI only does business and does not have anything to do with our sentiments... The match on September 14th should not take place. We also request our sportsmen to boycott the match and so should the entire country...," Dubey told ANI.
He referenced the Central Government's stance against bilateral competitions with Pakistan and said that organising the match goes against public feelings post-Pahalgam attack.
"The policy of the Central Government is clear that there should be no partnership with Pakistan in bilateral competitions, but caution should be exercised even in multilateral events. Nevertheless, it is unacceptable for the BCCI to give the green signal to this match. I humbly request that you sack the BCCI immediately, as they have acted against the interests of India. This move will not only strengthen national security but also set an example for other sporting organisations. If this match takes place, it will affect India's image globally and pose the risk of potential sanctions," added his letter.
Earlier, Dubey urged the match's cancellation, citing Pakistan's history of terrorism, including the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and threatened a 'Sindoor Samman Yatra' if the match proceeded, accusing the BJP of acting like Pakistan's 'B' team.
"This match should be cancelled. If it is not cancelled, then we will not watch it and also take out a 'Sindoor Samman Yatra'. If this match happens, we allege that the BJP is working as the 'B' team of Pakistan. Did we all stand with the BJP at the time Pakistan attacked us for this day? We request PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene in this matter," said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.
Meanwhile, the BCCI stated that it aligns with government policy, participating in multinational events such as the Asia Cup, but avoiding bilateral series with Pakistan.
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a request to urgently list a plea seeking an interim stay on the cricket match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 14.
While rejecting the request, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that the match should go on.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner sought that the plea be heard urgently as the said match is set to take place on September 14. However, the Court declined the request. (ANI)