New Delhi [India], September 13 : Ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14, Congress leader Abhishek Dutt on Saturday criticised India's participation in the game against Pakistan, saying the match should be cancelled.
Speaking to ANI, Dutt said the decision contradicted the government's stance of "no talks with terror."
"On one hand, you talk about Operation Sindoor, you say no talks with terror, no trade with terror. Our delegation went to foreign countries. What message are you trying to give by playing a match with Pakistan today?" he asked.
Dutt said the match dishonoured the memory of Indians killed in terror attacks.
"I believe this match should not happen at all... We are going to play a match with Pakistan; these people had entered the country and killed our 26 innocent people. I think there should be no bigger shame than this. This match should be cancelled immediately," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said the match should be stopped in view of public sentiment.
Speaking to ANI, Rai urged the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter.
"The Supreme Court should make a decision in this, and I insist that this (the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025) should definitely be stopped, considering the sentiments of the common people," he said.
Meanwhile, 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.
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.
Pawar 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."
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.