Sanjay Dwivedi, whose son lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack, has strongly opposed the scheduled India–Pakistan clash in the T20 Asia Cup on 14th September in Dubai. He urged the government to intervene, pointing to the April attack that killed 26 people and recalling India’s earlier decision to sever sporting ties with Pakistan.
While talking to ANI, Dwivedi said, “On 22nd April 2025, Pakistan killed 26 innocent people of our country. The government of India had said that it would have no relations with Pakistan and that blood and water cannot flow together. Since the day I learnt about the India vs Pakistan match, not just I but the entire country has been opposing it, saying there should be no relations, political or in the sports field, with Pakistan. I oppose this and urge the government to take action in this matter, keeping public sentiment in mind.”
The central government has recently revised its sports policy concerning engagements with Pakistan. Under the new directive, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multinational tournaments but will continue to avoid bilateral contests.
The India cricket team has made a strong start to the tournament, registering a commanding nine-wicket victory over the UAE in their opener. Following the high-stakes clash with Pakistan, they are scheduled to play their final group-stage match against Oman on 19th September in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament will then progress to the Super 4 stage, where the top two teams from each group will battle it out. If India finishes at the top of Group A, all their Super 4 fixtures will be played in Dubai. A second-place finish, however, would see them play one match in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai. The Super 4 stage runs from 20 to 26 September, culminating in the grand final in Dubai on 28th September.
Fans could be treated to two more India–Pakistan clashes in this Asia Cup. With the UAE and Oman suffering defeats in their opening matches, the path is clear for the arch-rivals to meet again—first in the Super 4 stage, and possibly once more in the final.
