IND vs PAK | 'Is the BCCI above national interest?': Letter to sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya reignites debate

Aaditya Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has addressed a letter to union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressing concerns about the planned India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup and questioning BCCI's position regarding national interest.The letter highlighted how various nations have been isolated in sports for causes benefiting humanity, with terrorism being a significant factor preventing peaceful progress between both nations.Thackeray pointed out that India has faced multiple Pakistan-based terrorist attacks in the past decade, with the Union Government consistently highlighting this issue."Yet, sadly enough, and shamelessly, the BCCI is sending a team to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Is the BCCI above national interest? Is it above the sacrifice of our Jawans? Is it above the Sindoor of those who faced the attack in Pahalgham?" Thackeray stated.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"We sent out delegations to the world, saying Pakistan is behind Pahalgam. Now, will we send out delegations to the world to justify why we are playing cricket with them?"Thackeray mentioned that while Pakistan declined to play hockey in India citing security concerns, BCCI's decision to play against Pakistan reflects selfish interests.The upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to begin in the UAE from September 9, will feature two significant India-Pakistan matches in Dubai.The first match between the neighbouring countries is set for September 14 in Dubai, with a potential second encounter on September 21 at the same venue. The tournament's final will take place in Dubai on September 29. The competition will follow the T20I format in preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka early next year."Recently, the Prime Minister also said water and blood cannot flow together from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Yet, only because of BCCI's insistence and desire for the money and ad revenue, probably, it holds the 'sindoor', and lives of our jawans as negligible."