As India geared up to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday, relatives of those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack voiced their anguish over the game being played so soon after the tragedy.
Asavari Jagdale, daughter of Pune businessman Santosh Jagdale who was shot dead by terrorists, said the clash was “shameful” and questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for going ahead with it.
“It has not even been six months since the Pahalgam incident. Operation Sindoor followed, yet there is no shame in organising this match,” she told ANI.
Jagdale also criticised Indian cricketers for agreeing to take the field against Pakistan, accusing them of ignoring the bloodshed. “You are considered heroes because you represent the country. But how can you play against a team that has blood on its hands?” she asked.
Echoing her pain, Sawan Parmar, who lost his father and brother in the attack, said he felt “very disturbed” when the match was announced. “Operation Sindoor seems like a waste now,” he said.
Despite opposition voices, the India-Pakistan game went ahead at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 8 pm IST.