Uddhav Thackeray Announces Maharashtra Protests Against India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has announced plans for protests across Maharashtra, opposing the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match scheduled to be held in Dubai.

Thackeray questioned the government's decision to allow the match, emphasizing the recent tensions between the two nations. He remarked, "Our Prime Minister said blood and water cannot flow together, so how can blood and cricket flow together?" The statement underlined his opposition to holding a sporting event with Pakistan so soon after ongoing conflicts and attacks.

Criticizing what he called the commercialization of patriotism, Thackeray alleged that the match was being staged primarily for financial gain, rather than national interest. In a symbolic gesture, he announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) women workers would collect sindoor from households across Maharashtra and send it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a form of protest.

This move comes amid growing public debate and criticism over the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. Opposition parties and political figures have also questioned the timing of the match, arguing that it disrespects the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in recent terror attacks.

Shiv Sena (UBT)'s announcement signals a strong political and social response in Maharashtra, with the party urging citizens to express their dissent peacefully while highlighting national sentiments over the India-Pakistan cricket fixture.

The match, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, is expected to attract significant attention, both on and off the field, as protests and political voices continue to grow louder across India.