"I'm shocked": NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule attacks Centre over IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 11 (ANI): NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule on Thursday expressed shock over the Union Government's stance on the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, asking if the "blood and water" cannot flow together, then how "bat and ball" came together.
"I'm shocked by the stand taken by the government on the India-Pakistan match. On one hand, they say 'Blood and water cannot flow together', then how come this match is happening? If blood and water cannot flow together, then how can bat and ball come together?" Supriya Sule told reporters.
Sule addressed the issue of Sanjay Raut's protests on the India vs Pakistan match and said she is not aware of the matter.
"I am not aware if Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena UBT are going to hold a protest. I'll speak to the alliance members," Sule added.
India and Pakistan will lock horns against each other in the Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14. The clash has invited anger among the opposition parties in India as they have been questioning the government about playing against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) announced to protest against the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Party MP Sanjay Raut termed the decision to play against the neighbouring nation as an act of "treason" and "shamelessness".
Speaking to reporters, Raut said, "We will protest against this India-Pakistan cricket match. Women will come on the streets and our campaign is 'Sindoor Raksha Abhiyan'.You said that water and blood will not flow together. If water and blood will not flow together, then how will blood and cricket work together? This is treason, shamelessness."
The Sena UBT MP questioned the role of the Sangh Parivar in allowing this match to happen, implying they should prioritise national sentiments over sports. He also questioned how the government can allow cricket matches with Pakistan when the pain, grief and anger of the Pahalgam victims' families still linger. (ANI)