Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Nirupam on Sunday strongly opposed the India vs Pakistan match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, calling it “insensitive” given Pakistan’s history of sponsoring terrorism against India.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the India vs Pakistan match today in the Asia Cup 2025, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam says, “The relationship between India and Pakistan is a very bitter one. Pakistan has continuously made a foreign policy of destroying India. It has sheltered,… pic.twitter.com/r3tC2eABIt
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2025
“The relationship between India and Pakistan remains deeply strained,” Nirupam said. “Pakistan has consistently sheltered, trained, and funded terrorists responsible for attacks on innocent Indian civilians and cities. There should be no relationship with Pakistan, be it sports, cultural, or diplomatic,” he stated on X.
He reiterated that this stand aligns with the views of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, and continues to reflect the sentiment of the Indian public and the party today.
While acknowledging the BCCI and ICC`s argument that India avoids bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan but must participate in multinational tournaments, Nirupam said:
“Even if the Indian team faces disadvantages in such formats, we believe national sentiment must take precedence over sporting interests,” he added in a video on X while speaking to reporters.
Nirupam concluded by urging authorities to reconsider India`s participation in matches against Pakistan on moral and emotional grounds.
Shiv Sena UBT leader Anand Dubey writes to Sony Live to stop live broadcast of India-Pakistan match
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey has written to Sony Pictures Private Limited, urging the broadcaster to stop the live telecast of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match scheduled to be held today (September 14) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In the letter addressed to Sony LIV, Dubey stated, “We request you to put a complete ban on the live broadcast of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, 2025, that is to be held in Dubai.”
He further emphasised, “The match should not be broadcast in India. We expect a speedy and positive response from you.”
The appeal comes amid growing political backlash over the decision to proceed with the high-profile cricket match, despite recent tensions and national security concerns. The UBT faction of Shiv Sena has been vocal in its opposition, calling the match insensitive in light of recent events and demanding that entertainment not overshadow national interest.
