Mumbai, August 23 — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, urging critics not to mix sports with politics. His statement comes after Opposition leaders raised objections to the match being held despite strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Responding to the controversy, Pawar said, “There are people who like watching such contests. Some may oppose, but many want to watch the game. We should not politicise everything.” He emphasised that cricket has always been a matter of public interest in India, where the rivalry between India and Pakistan draws some of the highest viewership worldwide.

The Asia Cup fixture between the two teams has already generated immense buzz among fans. While political tensions have prevented bilateral cricket series since 2012, the teams continue to face off in international tournaments conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). These encounters often attract record-breaking audiences, highlighting the emotional and cultural significance of the rivalry.

Opposition leaders, however, argue that holding such matches sends the wrong signal given the existing diplomatic strains and security concerns. They have urged the government to reconsider sporting ties with Pakistan.

Pawar, without directly engaging with these criticisms, maintained that the public’s enthusiasm for cricket should be respected. “Sports should be seen as sports,” he remarked, underlining the importance of keeping politics and popular sporting events apart.