Pahalgam Victims’ Families Urge BCCI to Boycott India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash. As anticipation grows for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack have called on the BCCI to withdraw from the match, describing it as a “dishonor” to those who had died.
On April 22 this year, terrorists began shooting at tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians, including Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur. His widow, Aishanya Dwivedi, has led the campaign, accusing the cricket board of being “insensitive” and encouraging the public not to watch the match. “It is a dishonor to the 26 martyrs. The BCCI only thinks about money; they do not think about our pain.” She urged people to boycott the match on television and at public screenings.
Her father-in-law, Sanjay Dwivedi, supported the appeal, reminding the government about its long-held position that “blood and water cannot flow together” and questioning why sporting relations should continue while cross-border terrorism continues.
Political Reactions and Public Mood
Political reactions have also intensified the debate. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called it a “humiliation” for the families of the victims, and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi wondered whether the government valued broadcast revenue more than lives. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #BoycottINDvPAK and #BoycottAsiaCup, suggesting that the public mood is very raw.
The BCCI, however, maintained that India is not taking part in a bilateral series but is instead honoring its commitments to a multi-nation tournament, giving it limited options for withdrawing without penalties. The Supreme Court also declined to stay the match following a petition.
For families in mourning, however, this match is bigger than cricket. For them, it is a matter of national honor and remembrance for those killed. With a match day fast approaching, there are stark contradictions between the worlds of sport, sentiment, and politics.
