Uddhav Thackeray Announces Protest Against India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday announced state-wide protests in Maharashtra against the Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday. He argued that playing cricket with Pakistan contradicts India’s stance on terrorism.
Thackeray recalled the Prime Minister’s earlier statement that “blood and water cannot flow together” and asked, “How can blood and cricket flow together? How can war and cricket go on at the same time?” He alleged that the match was being played only for financial gain and called it “a joke on patriotism.”
He further said that Shiv Sena (UBT) women workers will take to the streets across Maharashtra and send sindoor from every household to the Prime Minister as part of the protest.
Invoking the legacy of Bal Thackeray, Uddhav reiterated that his father had opposed cricket ties with Pakistan until terrorism against India ceased. He maintained that Sunday’s match undermines India’s sacrifices in the fight against terror.