Owaisi urged the Modi government to push for Pakistan’s re-listing in the FATF grey list
Owaisi’s Call to Boycott India-Pakistan Cricket Ties – In a country where cricket is often considered a religion, the idea of boycotting a high-voltage India-Pakistan match is nothing short of sacrilege for many fans. But on July 28, 2025, Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament and president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), took a bold stand in the Lok Sabha, challenging the moral and strategic consistency of the Indian government’s decision to maintain cricketing ties with Pakistan amid escalating border tensions and a recent terrorist attack.
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The Flashpoint: Pahalgam Terror Attack
Owaisi’s remarks came during a heated debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military strike against terror camps in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, following the Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 Indian lives, mostly civilians and tourists. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation, reigniting calls for tougher action against Pakistan-backed terrorism.
While praising the Indian armed forces for their swift and decisive response, Owaisi questioned the government’s strategic coherence. “You’ve stopped trade, shut down airspace, blocked water flow then why play cricket?” he asked, invoking Prime Minister Modi’s own doctrine: “Blood and water cannot flow together.”
A Question of Conscience
Owaisi’s speech was not just a political critique, it was a moral indictment. He asked whether the government had the courage to invite the families of the Pahalgam victims to watch the match scheduled for September 14, 2025, as part of the Asia Cup. “My conscience does not allow me to watch that match,” he declared.
His words struck a chord with many, especially those who view cricket diplomacy as a symbolic contradiction in the face of national grief and unresolved security threats. Owaisi argued that if India is serious about isolating Pakistan diplomatically, then sporting ties must also be suspended.
Strategic Contradictions
Owaisi’s critique extended beyond cricket. He questioned the lack of accountability for the Pahalgam attack, asking how four terrorists could infiltrate despite India’s massive military presence. “Who did Pahalgam? Who will be held responsible?” he demanded.
He also took aim at foreign influence, particularly the United States, for allegedly announcing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan before India’s own official statement. “Will a ‘gora’ sitting in the White House declare India’s ceasefire?” he asked, challenging the government’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
FATF and Foreign Policy
Owaisi urged the Modi government to push for Pakistan’s re-listing in the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) grey list, citing its continued support for terror outfits. He argued that India must leverage its global influence to hold Pakistan accountable on international platforms, not just through military strikes but also through economic and diplomatic pressure.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
Owaisi’s remarks sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sukhdeo Bhagat, echoed his sentiments, accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of prioritizing profits over patriotism. Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan had already boycotted a recent match in England in protest over the Pahalgam killings.
Even Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain, weighed in with a more balanced view: “The sport must go on. But terrorism must not happen, it needs to be stopped.” His statement reflects the tension between sportsmanship and national sentiment, a dilemma that continues to divide public opinion.
Cricket as a Diplomatic Tool or a Liability?
India-Pakistan cricket matches have long been seen as more than just sporting events, they’re diplomatic barometers, capable of thawing icy relations or amplifying hostilities. But in the current climate, Owaisi’s call for a boycott raises a fundamental question: Can cricket remain apolitical when the stakes are so high?
His speech underscores a growing demand for policy consistency. If trade, water, and airspace are off the table, then cricket arguably the most visible form of cultural exchange, should not be exempt.
Final Over: Symbolism vs Strategy
Owaisi’s challenge to the government is not just about a match, it’s about national messaging. In a time of grief and geopolitical tension, symbolic gestures matter. Whether or not the match proceeds, the debate has already ignited a broader conversation about how India balances diplomacy, security, and sentiment.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the government faces a tough decision: play on for the sake of sport, or pause for the sake of principle.
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