Sanjay Raut Drops Bombshell on IND-PAK Clash
After India’s emphatic win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai, things haven’t settled on the field. Instead, controversy exploded into the political realm, with Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut leveling claims that the match was “fixed” and that cricket now risks losing its honour.
Raut’s Explosive Claims
At a press conference, Raut didn’t hold back. He asserted:
“The match was fixed. Out of Rs 1.5 lakh crore of gambling, Rs 50,000 crore went to Pakistan. Amit Shah’s son gave the money to Pakistan. It’s their strategy to fund Pakistan to ‘strengthen’ terrorism so that they attack us and they get political benefit.”
He alleged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received Rs 1,000 crore as part of this supposed scheme. He also criticized the BCCI and the role of Jay Shah (ICC Chairman) and Mohsin Naqvi (ACC Chairman, PCB) in enabling such arrangements.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s son Jay Shah is the ICC Chairman while Mohsin Naqvi is the ACC Chairman, who is a Pakistani. The Modi government is shameless,” Raut said.
Other poignant remarks followed:
“Ashish Shelar should have resigned from the cabinet on the basis of ethics. If Jay Shah could not have avoided organising this match, he should have resigned and left his post … Balasaheb Thackeray never indulged in such business.”
Why This Matters – Politics, Cricket & Symbolism
The allegations go beyond sports. Raut claims the Indian team was reluctant to play Pakistan but forced into it due to directives from ICC/ACC leadership. He called the match a harm to “national interest,” saying:
“The very fact that this match was held is a matter of shame. Will it bring back the sindoor (vermillion) of women who lost their husbands?… The decision to play the match with Pakistan was taken by the government.”
He accused the authorities of playing with patriotic symbols while making decisions that hurt people’s emotions deeply. The “Sindoor Raksha” movement sending vermillion was invoked as a symbolic protest for those who suffered loss in earlier terror attacks.
So, Will Mohsin Naqvi Hand Over the Trophy If India Wins?
This is where the stakes get personal and symbolic. If India lifts the Asia Cup, tradition demands that the trophy is handed over by the ACC President. Currently, that role is held by Mohsin Naqvi. But given the accusations levelled, many are wondering:
- Will Naqvi step onto the podium to hand over the trophy to India despite the public demands for accountability?
- Would India’s captain accept it?
- Will the ceremony go ahead as usual, or will the controversies overshadow that moment?
For many, the trophy presentation will no longer be mere formality – it may be a statement.
Broader Fallout & Questions
Raut’s assertions have set off reactions across the board. Calls for resignations, questions of ethics, and concerns about how cricket bodies are perceived now carry political weight.
Here are some of the key questions looming large:
- Are there verifiable proofs for these match‑fixing claims?
- Can the ICC or independent regulators investigate these allegations openly?
- How will this affect future cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan?
- Will ceremonies and symbols (like handshakes, trophy presentations) continue to hold their old meaning when tied tightly to public sentiment?
What’s at Stake
Beyond runs, wickets, or winning the cup, this moment could reshape how fans see the game.
- Trust in cricket’s governing bodies is being tested.
- The line between sport and politics feels blurrier than ever.
- A moment like the trophy handover could either affirm tradition and sportsmanship or deepen divides.
One thing is certain: when children dream of lifting trophies, they don’t imagine controversies. They imagine triumph, applause, and honor. If India wins, that trophy will carry more than just their victory – it may carry the unresolved questions, the proofs demanded, and the emotions still raw among their rivals.