Aaditya Thackeray criticised the central government following the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning India's decision to play Asia Cup matches against Pakistan. He raised concerns about national security, diplomatic outreach, and the role of BCCI and ICC in scheduling sporting ties.
Aaditya Thackeray. Image/File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday slammed the central government over security issues post the Pahalgam terror attack. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader questioned the appropriateness of India playing cricket and hockey matches against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup tournaments, amid the hostilities between the two countries in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
As reported by PTI, Aaditya Thackeray, while talking to the media on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex, stated that several questions concerning national security were still unanswered.
Thackeray, while pointing out the security concerns, said, "Is it right to play matches with Pakistan when the country is sponsoring terror against us? Should the Indian team play Asia Cup cricket and hockey tournaments against Pakistan? We want a clear answer from the BJP and the Union government."
Adding to it, he further said, “The BJP-led government appears to be testing the waters with the Asia Cup hockey scheduled to start in the last week of August. India is the host country, and matches will be played in Bihar. It is setting the stage for a potential cricket match in the UAE during the Asia Cup.”
As per PTI, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Worli further asked, "If the BCCI allows the Indian cricket team to play against Pakistan, will the BJP label it as anti-national as it does with others?"
As per reports, the Asia Cup, which will be played in a 20-over format, is expected to be held in September, while the Asia Cup Hockey tournament has been scheduled to begin on August 27 in Bihar.
Aditya Thackeray also expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the handling of national security.
While criticising the central government, Thackeray also said, "Firstly, the police released a sketch of the accused only to be termed as fake by the NIA later. After Operation Sindoor, government delegations were sent to several countries as if nothing had happened. Is this how national security is protected?"
"There are still several unanswered questions. We will not accept silence as a response," he further said.
Furthermore, Aaditya Thackeray further raised concerns about the country's diplomatic outreach and added that, "Despite India's repeated objections, Pakistan continues to receive financial assistance from institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. It has now even assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council. What has the External Affairs Ministry achieved with its outreach?"
Turning to cricketing ties, Thackeray also took a veiled dig at International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, stating, "Even if the BCCI decides to oppose playing against Pakistan, will the ICC under the leadership of Jay Shah actually listen?"
(With PTI Inputs)
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