NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Priyanka Chaturvedi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for associating India’s Asia Cup victory over Pakistan with Operation Sindoor, raising concerns that the financial gains from the tournament could be misused to support terrorism across the border.
In a statement to ANI, Chaturvedi expressed that the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan should not have occurred. She questioned the government’s decision to engage in play against Pakistan despite its declared “zero tolerance for terror” stance. “This match should not have happened,” she said, pointing out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seemed to play for the financial benefit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and broadcasters, ignoring the sentiments of the Indian populace.
Chaturvedi noted that families affected by terrorist attacks found the match distressing, suggesting it was insensitive to their pain. “It felt like rubbing salt into their wounds,” she remarked. She criticized the Prime Minister for drawing parallels between a cricket victory and a significant military operation following terrorist incidents, questioning the validity of such a comparison. “We are comparing Operation Sindoor, in which we lost some of our soldiers, with what? A cricket match?” she questioned, highlighting doubts about where the generated funds would ultimately end up.
According to Chaturvedi, money earned by the PCB could potentially support terrorist organizations. “I can assure you, the funds linked to this game could be used to revive terror infrastructure in Pakistan,” she stated.
Additionally, she emphasized the inconsistency in the government’s approach towards Pakistan. Chaturvedi referred to the ramifications following terror attacks, citing actions like revoking long-term visas, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and curtailing diplomatic presence to show that such matches were contradictory to India’s stance. “What compelled us to play this match?” she asked.
Chaturvedi reiterated that the struggle against terrorism extends beyond sports, asserting, “Our fight is not on the cricket pitch; our fight is against terror.” She added that no engagement, whether through conversation or sports, should occur with those who support terrorism, stating, “Celebration will be appropriate only when every terrorist is eliminated from there.”
Her comments surfaced amid national celebrations following India’s victory in the Asia Cup over Pakistan. While recognizing the achievement in sports, Chaturvedi urged citizens and officials to remain mindful of pressing security concerns.
