New Delhi [India], September 14 : Congress leader Abhishek Dutt on Sunday protested against the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match and stated that there was no need to participate in the game.
Speaking to the reporters, Abhishek Dutt criticised the central government for the match and alleged that Pakistan will financially benefit from the match and use the money for "militancy" against India.
"It is very sad that about four months ago, Pakistani terrorists entered our country and opened fire at 26 people after asking about their religion. The entire country is united with the Prime Minister and remains so on that issue. Everyone asked and demanded that a befitting reply be given to Pakistan, and Operation Sindoor was announced. At that time, he (PM Modi) said that there would be no talks or trade with Pakistan... He put the Indus Water Treaty on hold. The whole country appreciated him for this," Dutt said.
"We will benefit that country (Pakistan) by crores of rupees, and this money will be used for militancy against our country later. There was no need for this match... One should check the Instagram account of Shahid Afridi and others, how they insulted our sisters, our army and our country. After that, playing with them is absolutely wrong," he added.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi strongly opposed India-Pakistan cricket match, stating that this match is not between India versus Pakistan but BCCI versus Pakistan.
Priyanka Chaturvedi urged people to boycott, "This match is not India versus Pakistan, but BCCI versus Pakistan. Because the real Team India will not play with terrorists, nor will it hurt the sentiments of the people in the country."
"They are arguing that we don't play bilateral matches but can't refuse to play multilateral matches. They said there's a paradigm shift in India's security interests, there will be no trade with terror, talks with terror. I request everyone to boycott this match," she added.
The high-voltage contest is underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with Pakistan opting to bat first after winning the toss. Both teams are heading into the contest on the back of convincing wins in their respective openers.
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.