Aaditya Thackeray Questions Pakistan’s Hockey Asia Cup Participation After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has publicly questioned the Central government’s decision to permit Pakistan’s hockey team to participate in the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup.

Thackeray Voices Security Concerns Over Pakistan Team’s Presence

Addressing the media on Friday, Thackeray expressed his concerns over the decision, highlighting the sensitive timing given the recent attack. He argued that allowing the Pakistani team entry sends a conflicting message while India is grappling with terrorism concerns. The Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7.

Concerns Extend to Cricket Asia Cup

Thackeray further warned that if this decision goes unchallenged, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might follow suit and allow Pakistan’s participation in the Cricket Asia Cup as well. He was quoted by ANI as saying, “If no one objects to it, BCCI will soon give permission to Pakistan to participate in the Cricket Asia Cup as well.”