Amid World Cup fever, Congress stalwart Rashid Alvi has ignited a firestorm by rejecting any cricket with Pakistan. From New Delhi on February 15, IANS captured his blunt verdict: “Friends play games. With terror-mongering enemies, it’s the brutal Holi of blood.”
Alvi linked his fury to persistent threats, citing the recent Pahalgam bloodbath claiming 28-29 lives. “Pakistan’s terror commitment is ironclad. Sporting ties mock our losses,” he asserted.
On decision-making, he noted: “BCCI awaits government greenlight. Without it, no play. Responsibility lies with the Union government alone.”
Confident in India’s prowess, he added: “Should Sunday’s match unfold, Pakistan faces another thrashing. Victory is ours, defeat theirs—unchanging saga.”
TS Singhdeo of Congress expanded: “T20 World Cup optics aside, it’s about desiring Pakistan links. Terror-free borders and enmity’s end—core to peaceful adjacency. Ignore at peril.”
SP’s Abu Azmi from Maharashtra concurred sharply: “Terror surges from them, camaraderie via cricket? Incompatible paths.”
These resonant critiques from across parties signal deepening rifts, potentially eclipsing the on-field rivalry. As stakes soar beyond boundaries, the clash embodies more than cricket—it’s a litmus test for bilateral thaw.