Asia Cup 2025: The decision to hold a high-stakes match between the two hostile neighbours just months after a national tragedy has sparked debate among fans, political commentators, and even cricketers. Here's what Mumbai's Gen Z raised on both cricketing passion and digital consciousness
Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. FILE PIC
The high-stakes clash between arch rivals India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 playoff in Dubai on Sunday has been embroiled in controversy. The match comes barely five months after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and prompted a strong retaliatory operation by India, code-named Operation Sindoor.
The decision to play with Pakistan months after a national tragedy has sparked debate among fans, political commentators, and even cricketers. Here's what Mumbai's Gen Z, a generation raised on both cricketing passion and digital consciousness, has to say.
Speaking to mid-day.com, 23-year-old entrepreneur, Gladwin Roche, asserted, "It’s not just cricket anymore. India should see this match not just as another cricket game, but as a platform to reaffirm the nation’s strengths: courage, discipline, and unity. The Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor placed India at a moment of reckoning. This is about resolve, not just in policy or military, but in everyday life, culture, and even sports. How we compete on field is a reflection of how we carry ourselves on the global stage."
According to 20-year-old engineering student Myron Dias, playing the match so soon after a brutal terror attack may feel insensitive of the families of the 26 victims.
"The situation demands balance, not just with bat and ball. Whether or not this match should happen is a complicated question. On one hand, cricket can be a bridge, a symbol of sportsmanship and potential dialogue. On the other hand, hosting the match so soon after the horrendous Pahalgam terror attack may downplay the serious security threats we face."
"For many, this isn’t just a game; it’s about national emotion and collective memory. The challenge is to balance the spirit of the sport with respect for the gravity of what has happened," he added.
Meanwhile, Roshelle Rozario, a 21-year-old software engineering student, feels that every wicket will carry the "weight of national dignity".
"This India-Pakistan match will be held amid a charged atmosphere. After Pahalgam, where 26 innocent people were killed in a calculated attempt to divide, emotions are still raw. India’s strong military response, Operation Sindoor, wasn’t just retaliation; it was a statement of accountability and justice. Now, as our players step onto the field, they do so carrying the hopes of a nation that’s been through grief and resilience. This match is symbolic, every boundary, every wicket is not just about cricket, but about honour," she added.
Verdict from Gen Z
While some see the match as a chance to showcase national strength and unity, others believe the timing may be too soon, raising questions of sensitivity and respect. Across the board, there’s a clear sense that this is no ordinary fixture, and how it’s played, watched, and remembered will matter beyond the scoreboard.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
