Opposition Criticises India-Pak T20 World Cup Match

Opposition leaders on Sunday criticised the Centre over India’s T20 World Cup group-stage match against Pakistan, scheduled to be held in Colombo.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said Pakistan should be treated as an “enemy” and questioned sporting ties between the two countries.

Congress MP’s Remarks

Randhawa, who represents Punjab’s Gurdaspur district near the India-Pakistan border, said that those living in border areas are aware of what he described as Pakistan’s “proxy war” against India.

He added that, in his view, India should avoid engagements with Pakistan.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Comments

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also criticised the fixture. At a press conference in Mumbai, he claimed that India-Pakistan matches generate large betting activity.

Raut referred to the match as “Jay Shah vs Pakistan” rather than “India vs Pakistan,” naming the ICC chief. Jay Shah has not publicly responded to the remarks.

Background to the Fixture

The comments come after Pakistan reversed an earlier decision to boycott the group-stage match. The boycott was reportedly linked to broader concerns raised during the tournament.

According to reports, Pakistan had initially considered skipping the match in solidarity with Bangladesh after a venue-related request was rejected by the ICC over security concerns.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the match and hold discussions with ICC officials on the sidelines.

Political Reactions Continue

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry often draws political attention due to broader diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

While the match remains part of the official T20 World Cup schedule, opposition leaders have used the occasion to question the government’s stance on sporting engagement with Pakistan.

No official response from the Union government regarding the criticism was available at the time of publication.