'A black day for this country': IFTDA chief Ashoke Pandit condemns India-Pakistan cricket match - Report

With the India vs Pakistan cricket match only a few hours away, fans are divided over whether they should enjoy or boycott the sports tournament. This is the first international cricket match since the Pehalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Amid this debate and India-Pak’s strained relationship, Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) president Ashoke Pandit shared his clear stance on the matter. He strongly opposed the cricket tournament and accused the organisers of ‘insensitivity.’

Read on to know what the IFTDA President Ashok Pandit said reflecting on the upcoming India vs Pakistan cricket match.

Ashok Pandit says it's a black day for the country

While speaking to ANI, Ashok Pandit expressed, “A black day for this country. We cannot be this insensitive. Our cricketers should have this much shame; money is not everything.”


He continued, “I want to say to all the cricketers that the people you play for have their hands covered with blood, and that blood is of Indians.”

He further expressed that it is an insult to those who are fighting for the safety and security of the nation. "Over the past 40 years, the attacks on our nation have been constant. The government can give any reason or tell any rule, but it won't go down our throats. You are taking all this lightly because no one from your own family has been attacked. It is an insult to all those security forces who have lost their lives for this nation.”

“We have appealed to the television channels not to broadcast this match," he concluded.

Satish Shah urges everyone to switch off their TV

Earlier, actor Satish Shah also expressed his concern over the matter. He shared a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that read - “I sincerely urge every patriotic true Indian to strictly boycott the India-Pakistan match. Just switch off the TV. I have lost respect for our team for sure."