Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], July 27 (ANI): Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned the government's handling of Operation Sindoor and India's decision to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday.

He lashed out at the BJP-led central government for its inconsistent actions, particularly in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, followed by Operation Sindoor outreach, involving seven all-party parliamentary delegations visiting 25 countries to convey India's stance on terrorism and counter Pakistan's narrative.

Wadettiwar wondered why India would choose to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup if the country is considered an enemy.

Vijay Wadettiwar said, 'Why was this drama done? Why was Operation Sindoor conducted? From where did the terrorists come? Why were they not found after that? By which route did they come, and which route did they go? And when the truth came out that the terrorists were not caught... They sent their delegations to many countries. Now, if Pakistan is our enemy, then why this (Asia Cup match with Pakistan) game?'

Led by senior MPs from various parties, including Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, and Baijayant Panda, the Indian delegates met with senior officials, parliamentarians, and government representatives to discuss counter-terrorism strategies and reaffirm commitments.

The delegations emphasised India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and sought cooperation from the visited countries. The outreach received positive responses from some countries, with officials expressing solidarity with India's fight against terrorism.

Vijay Wadettiwar alleged, 'They think something and do something else. This has been their politics... By sending delegations, they have misled the people of the country...'

The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in the UAE, with the tournament featuring top Asian teams, including India and Pakistan. The decision to hold the tournament in a neutral country was made due to the tense relations between the two nations.

The Men's Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The tournament will follow the T20I format and feature eight teams -- the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), along with the UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.

The tournament opener is placed between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. India will kick off their campaign against UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for the 14th.

India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19. After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify. The final is scheduled on September 28.

India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman are in Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong are in Group B.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Pawan Khera took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the fixture announcement, asking whether the 'boycott gang' will boycott the Home Minister or enjoy the match.

'On Kargil Day, the date for the India-Pakistan cricket match has been announced. A few days ago, the Home Minister stated that bombs and talks cannot go together. But cricket can go on because it's managed by his son. Will the boycott gang now boycott the Home Minister or enjoy the match?' Khera posed on X.

Speaking on the issue, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the BCCI for allowing a match between India and Pakistan, saying that it would be a failure of the government if the match were held.

'If this match happens then it is not just the failure of the government, it is also the failure of BCCI that on one hand, we remember our armed forces and pay tribute to those who died fighting for the country on Kargil Diwas, and the same day, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, who is the president of PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), announces that Asia Cup is going to be held in UAE,' she said.

The political tensions continue to cast a shadow over sporting engagements between India and Pakistan, with bilateral series being suspended for years. (ANI)