The upcoming India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash on September 14 has ignited a storm of controversy, with emotions running high after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Aishanya Dwivedi, the young widow of a soldier martyred in the attack, has made a passionate appeal to boycott the game. She accused the BCCI of being insensitive to the sacrifices of the 26 victims and their families.
&ldquo;BCCI should not have accepted a match with Pakistan. Are our cricketers nationalists only in name? Except for 1-2, none stood up to say boycott this match. BCCI cannot force them at gunpoint. They should take a stand for their country, but they are not doing it,&rdquo; Dwivedi said.
Calling Pakistan a &ldquo;terrorist nation,&rdquo; she warned that any revenue from the match would only fuel more violence.&ldquo;Sponsors and broadcasters must answer is their nationality over for those 26 families? Don&rsquo;t switch on your TVs. Boycott this match,&rdquo; she urged fans.
Opposition Chorus 
The opposition parties seized on the sentiment, slamming the BJP government and the BCCI.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned if &ldquo;blood and cricket can flow together,&rdquo; while the Maharashtra Congress said allowing the match was an insult to the martyrs and their families.
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) also accused the government of double standards for permitting the clash despite its tough talk on terrorism.
Meanwhile, a plea in the Supreme Court seeking an interim stay on the match was turned down, clearing the way for the high-voltage contest in Dubai.
High Stakes Beyond Cricket 
The controversy reflects a deeper tension between national sentiment and commercial interests in sport. As Dwivedi&rsquo;s words echo across the country and opposition leaders step up pressure, the September 14 clash is shaping into more than just a cricket match, it is now a test of public conscience.

Row erupts as soldier’s widow, opposition leaders call for boycott of Asia Cup clash

Widow of Martyr Slams India-Pak Match

Row erupts as soldier’s widow, opposition leaders call for boycott of Asia Cup clash

September 13, 2025 | 15:43 IST