New Delhi [India], August 19 : Criticising the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the scheduled India-Pakistan cricket match in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Tuesday said the board should not concentrate only on money, but also care about the sentiments of the Indian people.
His remarks came after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray accused the BCCI of promoting "fake nationalism" by scheduling a match with Pakistan amid heightened tensions.
Speaking to ANI, Manickam Tagore stated, "It is very unfortunate. Pahalgam has happened, we had a war with Pakistan - Operation Sindoor. At this time, whether we need a match with Pakistan is a question. BCCI should not just set aside all things and concentrate only on money. They should also care about people's lives in India."
Earlier today, Aaditya Thackeray accused the BCCI of using the India-Pakistan match as a chance to earn money.
In a social media post on X, Thackeray wrote, "So, the bjp can keep telling you to 'go to pakistan'. They can send delegations to tell the world that Pak-based terrorists attacked India. BUT The @BCCI won't give up on the opportunity to play pak and earn #FakeNationalism."
The Sena UBT MLA's remarks came after the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 during a press conference attended by T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, which was held after a selection meeting which also featured the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia.
Team India for the Asia Cup 2025 was unveiled on Tuesday, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad and Shubman Gill as his deputy, with several major names missing out.
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the highly anticipated match against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both games to be played in Dubai. India's final group stage fixture against Oman will take place on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify. If India finishes at the top of Group A, then all of their Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai. If India finishes second, then one of their Super 4 clashes will be held in Abu Dhabi and the remaining two in Dubai.
The Super 4 stage will run from September 20 to 26. Dubai will host the final, scheduled for September 28. Suryakumar is the captain of a formidable Team India, which has been in stunning form since their ICC T20 World Cup win last year, having won 10 out of 13 matches since the marquee tournament and lost just two.