Written & Edited By : Aditi Mishra
13 October 2023 ( New Delhi ) : Fans have threatened to boycott the game on social media ahead of India’s high-profile match against archrival Pakistan on Saturday because of Pakistan’s support for terrorism, reigniting the “boycott” trend and a discussion about whether politics and sports can be kept apart. Earlier on September 13, a battle with terrorists took place in the Kokernag area of Kashmir’s Anantnag district, during which a Major, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and an Indian Army Colonel in charge of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit were all slain.
After this match, pictures and videos of Pakistani players being given a warm welcome for their World Cup matches in India went viral, prompting many to wonder why they are receiving such a favorable reception when Pakistani terrorism continues to kill people and destroy property in India, particularly soldiers, security personnel, and police officers. Many cricket fans were incensed when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a pre-match performance by Bollywood singers Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sukhwinder Singh at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. It is noteworthy that the ICC Cricket World Cup, which was staged for the first time ever in India, did not feature an opening ceremony.
India last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two nations haven’t played a bilateral series since 2013. In ICC competitions including the T20 World Cup, Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India has only faced Pakistan since 2013.
Prior to the IND-PAK match, news of the pre-match show in Ahmedabad went viral and showed Pakistan players being welcomed with open arms. This sparked outrage among many social media users, who threatened to boycott both the show and the match. “What the BCCI and Jay Shah did to the Pakistan team’s honor would under no circumstances be permitted. On the border, our forces are valiantly battling militants who are sponsored by Pakistan. User: “#BoycottIndoPakMatch #BoycottIndoPakMatch.”
