Sanjay Raut Explodes at Centre Over India–Pakistan Asia Cup Clash, Calls Decision ‘Painful Insult to Pahalgam Terror Victims’

Mumbai: A massive political storm has erupted after the Union government granted permission for India to play Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut firing a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a strongly worded letter.

In his statement, Raut slammed the government’s nod as “painful, insensitive and a betrayal of national sentiment”, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 women were widowed after Pakistani militants struck.

Raut’s letter raised pointed questions directly aimed at the Prime Minister:

• How can India justify sporting ties with Pakistan while ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terrorism is still ongoing?
• Were the emotions of the families who lost loved ones in Pahalgam considered before approving the match?
• What happened to Modi’s own declaration that “blood and water cannot flow together”? — Raut asked, adding, “Will blood and cricket now flow side by side?”

The Sena UBT leader went further, alleging that the Centre succumbed to external pressures from international powers, including the United States, to allow the high-voltage clash. He accused the ruling BJP of prioritising financial interests over patriotism, claiming that India–Pakistan matches generate massive betting and online gambling networks in which, he hinted, BJP members themselves are “not untouched.”

In a direct swipe at Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Raut alleged that cricketing clearances are being influenced by financial motives rather than national interest.

“Had the match been hosted in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena under Balasaheb Thackeray would have ensured it was stopped. Today, Hindutva and nationalism are being compromised for cricket and money,” Raut thundered in his letter.