Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 15: As India celebrated its Asia Cup 2025 win over Pakistan in Dubai, families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims have expressed deep anguish, calling the very act of playing the match a betrayal of national sentiment.
Despite Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicating the victory to the victims of the Baisaran Valley massacre and the Armed Forces, many bereaved families believe no match should have taken place at all, especially not against Pakistan — the country they hold responsible for the attack.
“Cricket Over Country?”
Sunday’s India-Pakistan encounter was the first international fixture between the two sides since diplomatic relations soured earlier this year. The game came just 146 days after the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 Indians were brutally killed by terrorists of The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Though Team India secured a win and offered words of solidarity, the gesture failed to resonate with families still grappling with loss.
“Why play Pakistan at all?” asked Rajesh Narwal, father of slain Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal. “Pakistan is a terrorist nation. Every other day, our soldiers are martyred. Celebrating a match with them only adds insult to our wounds.”
Narwal also questioned the ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts, calling them futile. “Operation Sindoor followed the attack, but Pakistan never learns. Our leadership must rethink this dangerous engagement.”
“Tribute After a Game Means Nothing”
Pragati Jagdale, wife of Santosh Jagdale, another victim of the Pahalgam attack, called the cricket match a “painful” and “insensitive” decision.
“Suryakumar Yadav’s tribute means nothing to us. If they had truly cared, they wouldn’t have played at all. That would’ve been real respect,” she said.
She also criticised the BCCI for allowing the match despite national outrage.
“Whether it was pressure or choice, the match should not have gone ahead. The government and the board must realise: Pakistan will never change, and we must stop pretending otherwise,” she said.
A Divisive Celebration
While the Indian cricket team celebrated their hard-fought win, back home, the festivity rang hollow for many. For the grieving families, the match was not just a sporting event — it was a stark reminder of the loss they suffered, and the growing disconnect between national sentiment and diplomatic sportsmanship.
The public outcry now raises larger questions: Should India continue sporting ties with Pakistan while cross-border terrorism persists? Can cricket truly remain separate from politics, when lives continue to be lost?
As India basks in its Asia Cup triumph, for many families of the Pahalgam victims, the match will be remembered not for victory, but for a missed moment to take a stand.