Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Arvind Sawant on Monday raised concerns in the Lok Sabha, urging the government to avoid playing cricket with Pakistan amid ongoing tensions with the neighboring country. Sawant’s statement comes just days after the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was announced on Saturday, which includes a high-profile Asia Cup 2025 India Pakistan Cricket Clash set for September 14. Highlighting national security concerns, the MP emphasized that sporting ties should not overshadow the current strained relations between the two nations.
Asia Cup 2025 India Pakistan Cricket Match
During a discussion in Parliament on Operation Sindoor, the issue of the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match was raised. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Arvind Sawant questioned the rationale behind sporting ties with Pakistan, stating, We gave Pakistan a strong response in Operation Sindoor. When we have no diplomatic or cultural ties with them, why are we playing cricket?”
His remarks come in the context of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, where India and Pakistan are once again placed in the same group. Sawant’s statement adds to the ongoing debate over whether sporting events should proceed amid strained bilateral relations. “Playing Cricket with Pakistan Would Be Inappropriate”: Arvind Sawant.
Asia Cup 2025, Set to be Held in the UAE
Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Arvind Sawant on Monday said that engaging in a cricket match with Pakistan would be inappropriate given the current tensions between the two nations. Speaking during a Parliament discussion on Operation Sindoor, he stated, “We have dealt a strong blow to Pakistan through military action. When we have cut off all other ties, why should we maintain sporting relations?” His remarks come just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, where India and Pakistan are scheduled to face off in the group stage.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Arvind Sawant, while speaking in the Lok Sabha, strongly opposed India playing cricket with Pakistan, stating it would be “inappropriate for a country that has been repeatedly wounded by its neighbour.”
His appeal comes ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the T20 format. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with India and Pakistan placed in the same group. This year’s format mirrors the T20 structure of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Salute to Indian Army
“Why Was There Not a Single Soldier in Pahalgam on April 22?” Questions Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Arvind Sawant, while lauding the bravery of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor, raised serious concerns in Parliament over security lapses in Pahalgam. “I salute the valour of our forces, but why was there not a single soldier present in Pahalgam on April 22? The investigation must start from there,” he said.
Sawant questioned the absence of security personnel on that day and pointed out Pahalgam’s proximity to Pakistan, adding that it has been a target of terrorist attacks in the past. He further expressed concern over the recent release of Mumbai attack accused by the High Court, stating, “It clearly shows that we still haven’t been able to effectively catch or prosecute terrorists.”
“Why Did India Halt the War Without Any Conditions?” Questions Arvind Sawant During Parliamentary Debate Participating in a special discussion on the Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Arvind Sawant expressed surprise over India halting military action against Pakistan without setting any conditions.
Stop the War, Ceasefire: Is It Okay? Say Sawant
“When the neighbouring country was on its knees, begging for a ceasefire, why did India stop the war unconditionally?” he asked. Sawant questioned why, despite being in a position of strength, India did not take the opportunity to reclaim Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). He added, “This was the right moment to teach Pakistan a lesson just like Indira Gandhi did during the 1971 war.” “IMF Approves Loan to Debt-Ridden Neighboring Country, Despite India’s Opposition,” Says Arvind Sawant
Expressing disappointment, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said that during Operation Sindoor, no country stood with India, while China and Turkey openly supported Pakistan. He further pointed out that despite India’s objections, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a loan to the debt-ridden neighboring country, highlighting ongoing international challenges India faces in rallying support against Pakistan.
