'PM Modi said Operation Sindoor is still ongoing': Manoj Tiwary calls out BCCI, says 'IND-PAK match should not happen'

India are scheduled to meet Pakistan for a possible three times during the course of Asia Cup 2025 (ICC Photo)

The schedule for Asia Cup 2025 has stirred a new debate with India scheduled to meet Pakistan for a possible three times during the course of the continental event. The development has met with public outcry, who have vehemently expressed their displeasure over the cricket match between the two countries, who don't share great relations.

The tension between the neighbours have escalated further after the heinous Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, in the month of April, forcing Indian security forces to launch Operation Sindoor.

Also Read | India vs Pakistan Asia Cup call pending as BCCI faces heat; report flags impact on Suryakumar Yadav's team

But a couple of months after the operation, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the dates for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from September 9-28, with India and Pakistan set to lock horns on September 14 in a group stage encounter. The teams will meet again in the Super Four stage if they manage to qualify, which should be the case. And the third meeting between the two could be a potential final, also if both manage to reach that stage of the tournament.

Amidst this several ex-cricketers have voiced their opinion, Manoj Tiwary, cricketer-turned-politician, has opposed the match between the two countries. "I am against it. The India-Pakistan match should not be held. Especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which civilians have been killed. After that, Operation Sindoor has taken place,” Tiwary told ANI in an interview.

Also Read | IND vs PAK backlash: Kaneria slams BCCI of 'using patriotism when it suits'; Kohli's ex-teammate says 'forfeit the game'

"The situation was so bad, how can we think of an India-Pakistan match. I feel that it should be considered again and the India-Pakistan match should not happen in such an environment,” he added.

"Our Prime Minister is saying that the Operation Sindoor is still going on… How can we play a match with Pakistan?,” Tiwary noted further.