Opposition targets govt over India-Pakistan T20 clash, says ‘this is Jay Shah vs Pakistan’

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut. (File photo)

• Opposition leaders criticize India-Pakistan T20 match in Colombo
• Raut claims match benefits vested interests, not public sentiment
• Pakistan reversed its boycott, intensifying the controversy

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A political row has erupted ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup group-stage encounter in Colombo, with opposition leaders accusing the Centre of sending the wrong message by allowing the high-voltage fixture to go ahead.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack, alleging that the contest serves vested interests rather than public sentiment. “This is not an India-Pakistan match. This is a Jay Shah vs Pakistan match. The people of India do not want it,” he said at a press conference in Mumbai. Raut also claimed that matches between the two sides lead to enormous betting activity. Jay Shah, who heads the ICC and is the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has not reacted to the remarks.

Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa echoed a hardline stance, asserting that sporting ties should reflect the broader security situation. “Pakistan is the enemy of our country, and it should be treated like that only. We have no dealings with them. Those who are on the border know how Pakistan is fighting a proxy war against India,” said Randhawa, who represents Punjab’s border district of Gurdaspur.

The controversy intensified after Pakistan withdrew its earlier decision to skip the group-stage game. The Pakistan side had initially opted out in solidarity with Bangladesh, which exited the tournament after the ICC turned down its appeal to move fixtures out of India citing security concerns.

The dispute had its origins in objections raised by BJP leaders and Hindutva groups over reported attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, and criticism of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan, for signing a Bangladeshi cricketer.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as a minister in the Shehbaz Sharif government, is expected to be present at Sunday’s match and may hold talks with ICC officials on the sidelines, according to PTI.