Shiv Sena (UBT) Accuses BCCI of ‘Anti-National’ Stance

quick Summary:

• Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the BCCI for hosting an India-Pakistan match on September 14, 2025, during the ongoing asia Cup.
• Thackeray condemned the match citing pakistan’s alleged involvement in terrorist attacks, specifically referencing the Pahalgam attack in India.
• He questioned BCCI’s motives and accused it of prioritizing revenue over patriotism. He also labeled BCCI as “anti-national.”
• Thackeray attacked the BJP, alleging a shift in ideology and questioning its stance on Pakistan.
• The Shiv Sena (UBT) announced protests thru a ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyaan’ where symbolic sindoor will be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recall national pride and protest against playing cricket with Pakistan.
• Party MP Sanjay Raut claimed this initiative seeks to remind about the Pahalgam attack and refocus national sentiment.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

Aaditya Thackeray’s comments highlight an ongoing debate about engaging with Pakistan on sporting platforms amidst tense political relations. His emphasis on linking cricket diplomacy to national security reflects concerns shared by segments of Indian society regarding normalization of ties post-terror attacks. While boycotts are often tools for signaling disapproval or protesting actions by other nations, counterarguments exist emphasizing sports as neutral ground fostering people-to-people connections.

The larger implications revolve around whether such calls for boycott align with India’s broader political strategy towards Pakistan. Questions regarding revenue motives versus ethical considerations within entities like BCCI also merit attention. The planned protests show how political narratives can influence responses to inter-country matters beyond policy channels.

Read more: Should India continue to boycott cricket in Pakistan?