Uddhav Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams India-Pakistan Cricket Match, Cites “Blood Money”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly condemned the decision by the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to proceed with a cricket match between India and Pakistan during the upcoming Asia Cup. Chaturvedi accused the authorities of prioritizing financial gain over the nation’s sentiments, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, labeling the potential earnings as not just “blood money” but “cursed money”.
The criticism follows the official announcement of the 2025 Asia Cup schedule by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The tournament is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match scheduled for September 14. The two rivals are in the same group and could face each other up to three times during the T20 tournament.
In a statement on social media, Chaturvedi questioned the government’s stance, alluding to the ongoing “Operation Sindoor” launched after the Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. “When money is more important than the blood of our fellow Indians and our men in uniform. Shame on GoI for being a hypocrite on Operation Sindoor,” she stated. Chaturvedi has been a vocal critic of cricketing ties with Pakistan, previously denouncing the BCCI for permitting former Indian cricketers to play against a Pakistani team in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) tournament. That match was ultimately canceled after Indian players refused to participate.
The scheduling of the Asia Cup match has ignited a political debate, with other opposition leaders joining the call to boycott sporting ties with Pakistan until decisive action is taken against terrorism. The government has maintained a “no-engagement” policy regarding bilateral cricket series with Pakistan, but allows for matches in multi-team, international tournaments. The BCCI, as an autonomous body, is not directly under the control of the Sports Ministry, although this could change if the proposed National Sports Governance Bill is passed.
The controversy highlights the complex relationship between sports, politics, and national sentiment in the region. While the BCCI is the official host of the 2025 Asia Cup, matches involving Pakistan are held at neutral venues due to political tensions. The decision to proceed with the upcoming match underscores the significant commercial interests involved, while fueling a broader discussion about the moral implications of maintaining sporting relations with Pakistan
