The upcoming India–Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup has sparked a fresh political row, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh taking a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks. Referring to Modi’s statement that “terror and trade cannot go together,” Singh questioned the government’s stance on cricket ties with Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI, Singh asked, “The Government of India said that the terrorists from Pakistan carried out the (Pahalgam) incident. Then Operation Sindoor happened. Our soldiers and the public lost their lives... The Pakistan that you are fighting with, you yourself said that the Operation Sindoor is not over yet... It is PM Modi's statement that terror and trade cannot go together. Then how are blood and games going together?”

His remarks came ahead of India’s second Group A fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where both teams entered on the back of strong opening wins.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended the match, citing international obligations. In his statement to ANI, he said, “But when international matches are held and we want to continue as part of international tournaments, we have to be a part of it under compulsion. The country does not want to play against Pakistan very happily.”

Adding to the tensions, women workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) staged a symbolic protest in Mumbai on Sunday. Carrying ‘sindoor’, they expressed their opposition to India facing Pakistan in the Asia Cup.