Blood and Revenue Can Flow Together for BCCI: Aaditya Thackeray
In a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has condemned the decision to schedule a match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The decision has sparked widespread outrage and controversy, with many Indians expressing their disapproval and disappointment.
Speaking at a public event, Thackeray went on to say that it is “shameful” for the BCCI to schedule a match against Pakistan, a country that has been a thorn in India’s side for decades. He questioned the logic behind the decision, pointing out that it is a clear example of prioritizing revenue over national sentiments.
“Blood and water cannot flow together,” Thackeray said, “but for BCCI, blood and revenue can flow together.” This statement highlights the stark contrast between the BCCI’s priorities and those of the Indian people. While cricketers and fans alike are passionate about the sport, there are certain issues that transcend the realm of sports and enter the realm of national security and diplomacy.
Thackeray’s comments come on the heels of a recent controversy surrounding the inclusion of a chapter on the Pahalgam attack in NCERT textbooks. For those who may be unaware, the Pahalgam attack was a brutal terrorist attack that took place in 2001, resulting in the deaths of over 30 people. The inclusion of this chapter in textbooks has sparked outrage and controversy, with many calling for it to be removed.
Thackeray’s response to this controversy is telling. “This chapter should be sent to BCCI officials first,” he said, implying that the BCCI’s priorities are so misplaced that they are more deserving of criticism than the NCERT textbook committee. This statement is a clear indication of the depth of feeling among many Indians about the BCCI’s decision to schedule a match against Pakistan.
So, what is behind the BCCI’s decision to schedule a match against Pakistan? According to reports, the decision was made in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was seen as a move to promote cricket in the region. However, this explanation rings hollow in the face of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
For decades, Pakistan has been a sworn enemy of India, and its actions have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. From sponsoring terrorism to sponsoring nuclear proliferation, Pakistan has been a major thorn in India’s side. Given this backdrop, it is hard to understand why the BCCI would prioritize a match against Pakistan over the sentiments of the Indian people.
Moreover, the BCCI’s decision to schedule a match against Pakistan is seen as a betrayal of the Indian people. For years, Indian cricketers have been calling for a boycott of cricket matches against Pakistan, citing the country’s history of sponsoring terrorism. The BCCI’s decision to ignore these calls and schedule a match against Pakistan is seen as a slap in the face to these cricketers and to the Indian people as a whole.
In conclusion, Aaditya Thackeray’s comments highlight the stark contrast between the BCCI’s priorities and those of the Indian people. While the BCCI may prioritize revenue over national sentiments, the Indian people will continue to demand more from their cricketing body. The scheduling of a match against Pakistan is a clear example of the BCCI’s misplaced priorities, and it is up to the Indian people to hold them accountable.
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