July 30,2025 — AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday questioned the central government’s policy towards Pakistan, criticising what he described as a “selective approach” in banning trade and airspace access while continuing to play cricket matches against the neighbouring country.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi pointed out the contradiction in India’s policies, asking why sporting ties, particularly cricket, were being maintained while other formal engagements such as trade and aviation links remained suspended.
“If we are banning trade and blocking airspace citing national interest, why do we allow cricket matches with Pakistan?” Owaisi said. “Is cricket not a form of diplomacy? Or is it that selective interests determine what’s acceptable and what’s not?”
India suspended bilateral trade with Pakistan in 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, also revoking Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. The government has since restricted Pakistani aircraft from using Indian airspace, including for high-level visits and diplomatic travel.
However, the two countries continue to face each other in multinational cricket tournaments. India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash in the upcoming Asia Cup and again in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is to be hosted by Pakistan.
Owaisi’s remarks have sparked debate over the consistency of India’s foreign policy. Several opposition leaders expressed support for a review of the current stance, while BJP leaders dismissed the comments as politically motivated.
“India’s participation in ICC events is governed by international commitments, and should not be equated with bilateral relations,” said BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia. “Owaisi is attempting to create confusion where none exists.”
Foreign policy experts, however, say the AIMIM leader’s comments raise a broader question about India’s approach to Pakistan. “While it’s understandable that India wants to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, consistency in policy is key,” said Prof. Sanjay Joshi, a South Asia analyst. “Allowing cricket but banning trade may appear contradictory to the public.”
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, one of the most watched in the world, often carries symbolic political weight. While bilateral series have not been held since 2013, matches in ICC events continue to generate massive viewership and interest.
The government has so far maintained that sporting ties under international multilateral platforms are distinct from bilateral diplomatic or economic engagement.
Owaisi’s comments come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, despite a general ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) holding since 2021.
With the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan drawing near, the controversy has once again brought the intersection of sports and geopolitics into the national spotlight.
