BCCI is anti-national, says Shiv Sena (UBT)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday (September 12, 2025) slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the India-Pakistan match slated for September 14 in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Seeking its boycott, he said, “We have told the whole world that Pakistan was behind the [Pahalgam] attack in India. And yet, we are now wanting to play with them.”

“Shame on BCCI for its anti-national and selfish behaviour,” he said and asked how “blood and cricket can flow together when blood and water can’t” (referring to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack).

Questions BJP

He attacked the BJP and asked if the party had now changed its ideology.

“Pakistan, which has repeatedly launched attacks on our nation, spread terrorism in the nation, and killed innocent people in Pahalgam. Why is the BCCI so excited to play a match against Pakistan? Is this for TV revenue? For ad revenue? Pakistan decided to boycott the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup as the tournament was being hosted by India. Why can’t we also boycott? The BJP has changed its ideology. It is very unfortunate that we are playing a match with Pakistan. BCCI is anti-national,” he said.

Also Read: Should India continue to boycott cricket in Pakistan?

Calls for boycott

He also questioned the patriotism of the players. “Players can boycott, BCCI can boycott, broadcasters can boycott. Why aren’t they doing it? Those who are going to play need to ask how much of patriotism is alive in them,” he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced a ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyaan’ on September 14, when the party’s women’s wing will protest on the streets. “Later, sindoor will be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from lakhs of homes to remind him about the Pahalgam terrorist attack and that India should not play cricket with Pakistan,” party MP Sanjay Raut said.

Earlier, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi “for allowing such a compromise of national pride”. He claimed that the match was being allowed since Jai Shah, son of union Home Minister Amit Shah, is the chairman of the International Cricket Council.