“There should be no relations, political or in sports field with Pakistan”: Pahalgam terror attack victim’s father

Father of Pahalgam Terror Attack Victim Urges India to Boycott Pakistan Cricket Match in Asia Cup 2025

In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Sanjay Dwivedi, father of victim Shubham Dwivedi, is calling on the Indian government to cut all ties with Pakistan—both political and in sports. This comes just days before the high-stakes India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, set for September 14 in Dubai.

Speaking to on Friday from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay shared his pain and frustration. "On April 22, 2025, Pakistan killed 26 innocent people of our country," he said. "The Indian government had declared no relations with Pakistan—blood and water can’t flow together. Since I learned about this India vs Pakistan cricket match, not just me, but the whole nation opposes it. We want no political or sports links with them. I urge the government to act, keeping public sentiment in mind, and cancel this match."

The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, has left deep scars. It sparked Operation Sindoor, India’s ongoing strikes against terror camps in Pakistan. Families like the Dwivedis feel betrayed by the idea of cricket diplomacy amid such tensions.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court stepped in on Thursday, refusing to halt the match. A bench led by Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed a plea for an urgent stay. The petitioner’s lawyer pushed for a Friday hearing, but the court said no—the India vs Pakistan game must go ahead.

The plea came from Urvashi Jain, who argues that playing cricket with Pakistan sends the wrong message. "Cricket should promote harmony, but after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor—where our soldiers risked everything and people died— this match disrespects their sacrifices," the plea states. It highlights how such a game hurts national interest, demoralizes the armed forces, and ignores ongoing threats like infiltrations in Kashmir.

Jain also slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), calling it insensitive to national tragedies. She pointed out that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports doesn’t officially recognize any cricket body, yet BCCI acts like it’s above the rest. With soldiers still fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorists day and night, she says organizing this match undermines everything.

This will be the first India vs Pakistan international cricket clash since the Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition voices and the public have demanded a boycott, but the central government has given the green light for the Indian team to play in multi-nation events like the Asia Cup 2025. As cricket fans gear up, the debate over sports and security rages on.

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