Owaisi Questions India's Decision to Play Cricket with Pakistan Amid Suspended Diplomatic Ties

Asaduddin Owaisi criticises India's decision to play cricket with Pakistan during ongoing diplomatic tensions. He highlights the suspension of ties due to terrorism and questions the necessity of the match.

Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), raised concerns over India's decision to play cricket with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. This comes after India had suspended various ties with Islamabad due to its support for terrorism, highlighted by the Pahalgam massacre. Owaisi clarified that his issue was not with the Indian cricket team, which won its ninth Asia Cup title against Pakistan.

Owaisi addressed a rally in Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, to launch his party's campaign for upcoming civic polls. He questioned the necessity of playing cricket with Pakistan when India had taken significant steps against it. These measures included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, banning Pakistani planes from Indian airspace, and halting trade. "Why are we still playing cricket with Pakistan?" he asked.

Operation Sindoor and Diplomatic Tensions

Following the Pahalgam attack in April, India initiated Operation Sindoor in May to target terrorist sites. Owaisi pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that "blood and water cannot flow together," implying that dialogue and terror cannot coexist. He questioned why cricket matches were played under these circumstances.

Owaisi criticised Modi for comparing India's cricket victory over Pakistan to a military operation. He argued that equating a sporting event with Operation Sindoor disrespects the armed forces' sacrifices. "How can a sporting event be compared to their sacrifice?" he questioned.

International Relations and Criticism

The veteran parliamentarian suggested that India could have sent a strong message by refusing to play against Pakistan. He wondered what Indian Air Force pilots, who targeted terror bases in Pakistan, must think about this situation. Owaisi also criticised US President Donald Trump for claiming credit for easing Indo-Pak tensions during the military conflict in May.

Owaisi remarked that if Trump truly desires peace, he should first address attacks on Palestinians. He also mentioned that Trump's tariffs have led to job losses in various sectors in India, while accusing the BJP of focusing on nationalism instead.

Local Opposition and Past Contributions

Earlier, some Hindutva groups opposed Owaisi's visit to Kolhapur. In response, he reminded them of his role in representing India's stance on terrorism in Gulf countries after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. He criticised Kolhapur police for serving him a notice despite his contributions.

The AIMIM leader's comments highlight ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and raise questions about diplomatic consistency. His remarks also reflect broader concerns about international relations and domestic policies affecting India's socio-economic landscape.

With inputs from PTI