Amid India vs Pakistan boycott calls, former cricketer and BJP leader reiterates stance: ‘This match shouldn’t ...’

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calls to boycott India's Asia Cup clash with Pakistan intensify. Kedar Jadhav reiterates his stance against the match, echoing strong public sentiment. While the Indian team acknowledges the sensitivity, they remain focused on cricket, guided by government and BCCI instructions, as emphasized by fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate.

Team captains during the unveiling of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy (Creimas/Asian Cricket Council via PTI Photo)

The build-up to India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash with Pakistan has been overshadowed by mounting calls for a boycott following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of Indian tourists. With emotions running high, voices from the political and sporting fraternity continue to weigh in on the debate. Former India cricketer and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav once again made his position clear, stressing that the fixture should not go ahead. “I don’t know what will happen, but I have already said that, according to me, this match should not be played,” Jadhav remarked, reflecting the strong public sentiment against sporting ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack. While political leaders and ex-players have urged cancellation, the current Indian team has been cautious in its response. On Saturday, fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the media on behalf of the team management. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but emphasised that the players’ focus must remain on cricket. “The players are aware of the public sentiment, and we have spoken about it within the group. But our role is to play cricket and follow government and BCCI instructions,” ten Doeschate said. “Sport and politics should ideally stay apart. I do understand the emotions, but we are guided by what the authorities decide. That is the line we are following.” He also highlighted head coach Gautam Gambhir’s message to the squad: “Control the controllables. Gauti’s advice has been to not get distracted by what’s outside our influence, and keep our attention firmly on cricket.” Interestingly, Gambhir himself had struck a stronger tone soon after the Pahalgam tragedy, declaring that India should suspend all sporting and cultural exchanges with Pakistan until cross-border terrorism ends. “No match, no film, nothing is more valuable than the lives of Indian soldiers and citizens,” he had said.

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