Outrage Grows Over India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash as Pahalgam Victims’ Kin, Veterans, and Netizens Demand Boycott
Families of Pahalgam Attack Victims, Ex-Military Officers, and Social Media Users Slam BCCI for Insensitivity Ahead of Sunday’s Match
NewsArc Bureau
New Delhi, September 13, 2025 – As India prepares to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday, a fierce backlash has erupted across the nation. Families of the victims of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, retired military officers, and a vocal section of netizens have condemned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for proceeding with the high-profile game, labeling it an insult to those affected by the attack, which killed 26 civilians and was linked to Pakistan-based militants.
Aishanya Dwivedi, widow of Shubham Dwivedi, a victim of the Pahalgam massacre, has led the charge, urging a nationwide boycott. “Do not watch the India-Pakistan match, do not switch on your TVs,” she said in a widely shared video appeal, criticizing the BCCI for disregarding the sentiments of the 26 bereaved families. “What are our cricketers doing? This match should not have been accepted,” she added, questioning the role of sponsors and broadcasters in funding the event. Sanjay Dwivedi, Shubham’s father, echoed her pain, stating, “Blood and water cannot flow together. Ties with Pakistan must end until terrorism stops.”
Retired military officers have joined the outcry, calling the decision to play “insensitive” and “reckless.” In media appearances and public statements, veterans have urged citizens to switch off their screens in solidarity with the victims, arguing that cricket cannot normalize relations with a nation accused of sponsoring terrorism. One former officer referenced the security failures in Pahalgam, questioning how the government could allow such a match amid ongoing tensions.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a battleground for public sentiment, with hashtags like #BoycottAsiaCup and #Pahalgam trending. Netizens have shared emotional posts, including one that read, “Pahalgam bleeds, Pakistan breeds terror. This isn’t a game, it’s an insult.” Another viral post accused the BCCI and government of “mocking the feelings of 26 families who lost loved ones in #PahalgamTerroristAttack.” Calls for boycotts extend to financial measures, with users warning that viewership could indirectly support adversarial interests. Even Punjab Kings, an IPL franchise, signaled support by omitting Pakistan from promotional content.
Opposition parties have seized the moment to criticize the BJP-led government. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders staged protests in Delhi, burning effigies of Pakistani players and warning venues against screening the match. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned, “How can blood and cricket flow together?” while Maharashtra Congress called the match an “insult to martyrs.” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi vowed not to watch, citing the pain of the Pahalgam tragedy.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, however, have defended India’s participation, framing it as a necessity in multilateral tournaments. BJP MP and former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized that while India avoids bilateral series with Pakistan due to terrorism, participation in Asian Cricket Council (ACC) or International Cricket Council (ICC) events is unavoidable. “Not playing would mean elimination and points for opponents, but our stance on terrorism is firm,” Thakur said. Maharashtra BJP minister Ashish Shelar dismissed opposition criticism as “anti-India,” urging focus on supporting Team India while adhering to government policy.
The Supreme Court declined an urgent plea to halt the match on Thursday, leaving the decision to the BCCI, which has yet to issue an official statement. As protests and online campaigns intensify, the controversy threatens to overshadow the iconic rivalry, highlighting the fraught intersection of sport, diplomacy, and national grief.
