Bollywood celebrities have expressed mixed reactions to India’s cricket match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for Sunday. This marks Team India’s first encounter with Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, with social media users divided over BCCI’s decision to proceed with the match amid ongoing tensions between the neighboring countries.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, always a topic of intense discussion, has taken on additional political dimensions following recent events, with prominent entertainment industry figures weighing in with contrasting perspectives on whether the match should proceed.
Celebrities Take Sides on Controversial Cricket Match
Actress Raveena Tandon shared her thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), suggesting a symbolic gesture from the Indian team. “So ok the match is on. I hope our team plays with black bands on and takes a knee. Before taking victory,” she wrote, indicating her desire for the players to acknowledge the current situation while competing.
Actor Suniel Shetty, who is also cricketer KL Rahul’s father-in-law, offered a more pragmatic view on the situation. He emphasized the obligations that come with international sporting events, stating, “It’s a world sporting body. They have to abide by those rules and regulations because there are a lot of other sports and a lot of athletes who are involved in them.”
Shetty further elaborated that while the decision to watch or support the match remains a personal choice for Indians, the cricketers themselves shouldn’t be criticized. “As Indians, I think that is our personal call that we have to take, whether we want to see it, whether we don’t want to see it, whether we want to go or not go and that’s a call India has to take,” he said.
“You cannot blame cricketers for playing because they are sportsmen, they are expected to represent the country. I think that’s a call we have to take. If I’m not going to see it, I’m not going to see it. It’s for you to decide what each one of you wants to do. It’s not in BCCI’s hands,” Shetty added.
Contrasting Views from Bollywood
Actor Zayed Khan aligned with Shetty’s perspective, expressing enthusiastic support for Team India ahead of the match. During a press conference, Khan predicted, “India is going to outshine everyone, you know what I mean. I believe India is a fantastic team and mujhe lagta hai ki 100 per cent India jeetne waali hai (I think India is going to win 100 per cent).”
When questioned about whether India should continue sporting relations with Pakistan despite political tensions, Khan responded positively: “Kyun nahin yaar. Sports sports hote hain. Usme kya hai. Vahan jitne thode bahut sambandh ban sakte hain, banne do (Why not, friend. Sports is sports. What’s the big deal in that? Let whatever little relationships can be formed there, be formed).”
His comments suggest a belief that cricket diplomacy might serve as a channel for maintaining some level of positive engagement between the two nations despite their differences.
- The match marks India’s first game against Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor
- Raveena Tandon suggested Indian players should wear black bands and take a knee before the match
- Suniel Shetty defended cricketers, saying they must follow international sporting obligations
- Zayed Khan supported continuing cricket relations despite political tensions
- Ashoke Pandit strongly condemned the decision to play the match
Strong Opposition from Film Industry Leader
In stark contrast to the supportive or neutral stances of some celebrities, Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) president Ashoke Pandit expressed vehement opposition to the match. Speaking to ANI, Pandit described the decision to play as a “black day” for India.
“It is a black day for this country. We cannot be this insensitive,” Pandit stated, directing criticism directly at the players. “Our cricketers should have this much shame; money is not everything. I want to say to all the cricketers that the people you play for have their hands covered with blood, and that blood is of Indians.”
Pandit’s strong condemnation reflects the sentiment of those who believe sporting events should be suspended in response to political conflicts and security concerns. His comments highlight the emotional weight many Indians attach to India-Pakistan relations that extend beyond sports.
Background
The India-Pakistan cricket match comes at a particularly sensitive time following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which have further strained the already tense relationship between the two countries. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have historically been more than sporting events, often serving as barometers of diplomatic relations.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proceeded with the match despite calls from some quarters to boycott sporting engagements with Pakistan. International cricket tournaments like the Asia Cup operate under the governance of global sporting bodies with their own regulations regarding member participation.
The divided opinions among Bollywood celebrities mirror the broader societal debate in India about separating sports from politics, particularly when it comes to relations with Pakistan. This conversation has intensified in recent years with each new development in the complex bilateral relationship.
What’s Next
As Team India prepares to face Pakistan on Sunday in the Asia Cup 2025, attention will likely focus not just on the sporting performance but also on any symbolic gestures or statements made by players or officials. The match will be closely watched for both its cricketing significance and its potential diplomatic implications.
The contrasting views expressed by celebrities may influence public perception and discussion around the event. While some fans may follow Suniel Shetty and Zayed Khan’s approach of supporting the team regardless of political context, others might align with Ashoke Pandit’s position or Raveena Tandon’s call for symbolic acknowledgment of the current situation.
The cricket boards of both countries and international sporting bodies will continue to navigate the complex intersection of sports, politics, and international relations as they plan future tournaments and matches. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate about India-Pakistan sporting encounters reflects broader questions about the role of sports in diplomacy and national identity. [Source](https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/india-pakistan-match-suniel-shetty-raveena-tandon-ashoke-pandit-react-23593991)
