“Is Money Worth More Than 26 Lives?”: Owaisi, Opposition Slam Govt Over India-Pakistan Cricket Match

New Delhi: As India prepares to face Pakistan in a high-stakes Asia Cup cricket match tonight, sharp political and public criticism has erupted over the decision to go ahead with the fixture amid ongoing tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Leading the charge was AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, who questioned the moral and political stand of the BJP-led government for allowing the match despite the loss of 26 Indian lives in the attack. He asked whether financial gains from the event were being prioritised over national grief.

“We ask the Prime Minister — when you said ‘blood and water cannot flow together’, when you said dialogue and terrorism cannot go hand-in-hand — how can we justify playing a match against Pakistan now? Will the BCCI make ₹2,000 crore or ₹3,000 crore from this? Is that money worth more than the lives of our 26 citizens?” Owaisi said.

He also questioned the role of state governments, asking if Assam and Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers had the authority — or the will — to oppose such engagements.

Opposition Voices Unite

The criticism wasn’t limited to Owaisi. Several opposition parties voiced similar concerns, accusing the government of inconsistency and double standards in its handling of India-Pakistan relations.

Congress leader Abhishek Dutt said the match contradicts the government’s “no talks with terror” policy.

“You talk about Operation Sindoor, send delegations abroad to build diplomatic pressure, and then play cricket with Pakistan? What message are you trying to send?” he asked.

In Delhi, AAP leaders staged protests, burning a Pakistan-labelled effigy. Former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj urged citizens to boycott restaurants and clubs broadcasting the match.

“The same government making our cricketers play with those who wiped our sisters’ sindoor — this is not patriotism, it’s profit. We’ll expose venues promoting this match,” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, echoed similar sentiments. Thackeray cited Prime Minister Modi’s past remark — “blood and water cannot flow together” — and said:

“How can war and cricket happen at the same time? This is not nationalism — this is business dressed up as patriotism.”

Chaturvedi called for a public boycott of the match, writing on X, “If the BCCI and GoI can’t cancel the match, let us citizens do what’s right — say no to cricket over terror.”

Grief Turns to Outrage

Families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims also expressed their anguish over the match.

Sawan Parmar, whose brother was among the 26 killed, said,

“We were very disturbed when we heard about the match. If you want to play, first bring back my 16-year-old brother. Operation Sindoor seems like a waste now.”

Aishanya Dwivedi, widow of another victim, questioned the silence of cricketers and the cricket board.

“It seems the BCCI has no feelings for the families who lost their loved ones. None of them would feel this way if their own families were affected. Why can’t players take a stand too?”

Government, BJP Defend the Match

In response, BJP leaders defended the decision to proceed, calling the backlash politically motivated.

Dilip Ghosh, BJP national vice president, dismissed the criticism, saying,

“Matches were played during Congress rule too. Their patriotism only wakes up during such events. We have already boycotted trade with Pakistan. Why should we walk away from the cricket field?”

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar attempted to draw a distinction between politics and sport.

“Games have their own sentiment. Players have worked hard. You can’t mix cricket and geopolitics every time. The decision has been made thoughtfully,” he said.

Match Moved to UAE Amid Tensions

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, originally scheduled to take place in India, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing diplomatic and security concerns. The match is set to begin at 8 PM tonight in Dubai.

While the pitch is ready for play, the nation remains divided — between those who see cricket as just a sport, and those who believe some lines shouldn’t be crossed, even for billions.