Uddhav Thackeray demands boycott ahead of high-voltage clash in Dubai News24 –
IND vs PAK: As cricket fans across the subcontinent gear up for what promises to be a blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan this Sunday, the build-up to the clash has taken a political turn in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has called for a boycott of the high-voltage final, citing the ongoing crisis faced by flood-hit farmers in the state and a broader question of national priorities.
In a strongly worded appeal, Thackeray urged the sponsors and advertisers of the much-anticipated India-Pakistan final to withdraw support, questioning the optics of engaging in cricketing ties with a country that “continues to support terrorism” while Indian voices of innovation like Sonam Wangchuk are allegedly being silenced under harsh legal measures.
“It’s unfortunate that Sonam Wangchuk, who worked for the Indian Army by developing solar tents, is being arrested under the National Security Act. But Pakistan, which is spreading terrorism in India, is playing a cricket match with us,” Thackeray said, addressing the media in Mumbai on Saturday.
Cricket vs Crisis: A Nation’s Priorities in the Spotlight
While the cricketing world is abuzz with talk of Shaheen vs Suryakumar, Kuldeep’s spin vs Rizwan’s resilience, and who will finally hold the bragging rights in the Asia Cup’s first-ever India-Pakistan final, the political discourse back home is sharply focused on Maharashtra’s agrarian crisis.
Thackeray questioned the lack of adequate aid to farmers devastated by floods in the state, calling for:
- A complete farm loan waiver
- A minimum compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare
- An immediate financial package of at least Rs 50,000 crore from the PM CARES fund
He pointed out that over 50 lakh hectares of farmland have been damaged due to heavy rains and demanded that the Prime Minister, during his upcoming visit to Maharashtra, make an announcement to support those affected.
“The Prime Minister recently gave Rs 10,000 to 75 lakh women in Bihar due to elections there. But the Maharashtra that voted for him is being ignored,” Thackeray claimed.
“If That’s Politics, We’re Proud to Do It”
Thackeray’s remarks also served as a direct response to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who recently snapped at a farmer asking for aid details during a flood inspection tour, saying, “Don’t do politics here.”
To that, Thackeray shot back:
“If asking for justice and help counts as politics, we are proud to do it.”
Can Cricket and Conscience Co-Exist?
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has never been just about cricket. It’s layered with decades of political tension, emotion, and history. But this time, the tension isn’t just across borders, it’s also domestic, as political leaders question the timing and nature of India’s engagement with its neighbour on the sports field.
Thackeray’s boycott call puts sponsors in a tight spot. His message: “You do business in India, you thrive in India – remember that before supporting a game against Pakistan.”
Whether or not sponsors or viewers heed the call, one thing is clear – this final isn’t just a cricket match – it’s also a mirror reflecting the anxieties, frustrations, and complexities of a country trying to balance passion with principles.
While millions will tune in on Sunday to watch their cricketing heroes face off in Dubai, back in Maharashtra, many farmers might still be waiting, not for the final over, but for a final decision from the Centre.