India vs Pakistan at Asia Cup: 'Cross-border tensions still persist'

The Congress has made it clear that the Indian team shouldn't play matches against Pakistan in light of the recent bilateral tensions (Photo by Ryan Lim/Getty Images)

EXCLUSIVE: India to boycott Pakistan in Asia Cup? Harbhajan Singh says, 'Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte'

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Poll Should the BCCI reconsider India's match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup? Yes, national interest comes first No, sports should remain separate from politics

Congress’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, has appealed to the BCCI to reconsider India’s scheduled Asia Cup match against Pakistan in light of recent hostilities.India and Pakistan are set to meet in a group stage fixture on September 14 in Dubai. Gogoi, however, argued that playing cricket at this juncture would “appear contrary to the national interest” given the fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack.In a letter addressed to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and released to the press, Gogoi wrote, “While cricket has always been a sport that brings joy among people, in the context of current India and Pakistan relations, such engagements should not be prioritised over national interest.”The Assam Congress president reminded the board of India’s diplomatic efforts to hold Pakistan accountable, including sending delegations abroad. He also recalled the Prime Minister’s stance after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Even our Honourable Prime Minister mentioned that water and blood cannot flow together.”Gogoi stressed the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, insisting that “cross-border tensions still persist” and that sports cannot be seen in isolation.“Engaging with Pakistan at this stage sends out a message that undermines the sentiments of the people of India who stand firmly against any compromise on national security,” the Jorhat MP said, as quoted by PTI.He further noted Pakistan’s decision to withdraw from a hockey event in India citing security concerns, arguing that cricket ties in such circumstances could “dilute the seriousness of national concerns regarding security and diplomacy.”Calling for a firm stand, Gogoi urged the BCCI to “avoid cricketing engagements with Pakistan until conditions are favourable and conducive to the nation’s interest.”In the upcoming Asia Cup, India and Pakistan will meet once, which is certain, and could play each other up to three times if they win their respective games in the later stages of the tournament.

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