In a sharp political rebuke, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its decision to allow India A to face Pakistan Shaheens in the upcoming Rising Star Asia Cup 2025. Her remarks, made via social media and public statements, accused the board of prioritizing commercial interests over national sentiment, stating, “Our BCCI is only dhandha (business).”
The controversy erupted after the BCCI announced India A’s participation in the tournament hosted in Doha, Qatar, where the team is placed in Group B alongside Oman, UAE, and Pakistan Shaheens. The India A vs Pakistan Shaheens clash is scheduled for November 16, 2025, and has reignited debates over cricket diplomacy, especially in the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations.
🧠 Key Highlights of Priyanka Chaturvedi’s Criticism
| Statement Segment | Implication |
|---|---|
| “Our BCCI is only dhandha…” | Accuses BCCI of being driven by profit motives |
| “Asia Cup trophy not handed rightly” | Questions transparency and fairness in ACC events |
| “Money more important than blood” | Condemns prioritization of revenue over national security |
Chaturvedi’s comments reflect growing political unease over sporting ties with Pakistan.
📊 Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 – Group B Composition
| Team | Status in Tournament | Key Players Announced |
|---|---|---|
| India A | Confirmed | Jitesh Sharma (Captain), Naman Dhir |
| Pakistan Shaheens | Confirmed | Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Haris |
| Oman | Confirmed | Bilal Khan, Zeeshan Maqsood |
| United Arab Emirates | Confirmed | Vriitya Aravind, Aryan Lakra |
India A’s squad was announced on November 3, 2025, with a mix of IPL performers and domestic stars.
📈 Timeline of Events Leading to the Controversy
| Date | Event Description | Stakeholder Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2, 2025 | BCCI announces India A squad for Rising Star Asia Cup | BCCI |
| Nov 3, 2025 | Group B draw places India A vs Pakistan Shaheens | ACC |
| Nov 4, 2025 | Priyanka Chaturvedi criticizes BCCI publicly | Shiv Sena (UBT) |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Political debate intensifies over cricket diplomacy | Media, Parliament |
The clash has sparked renewed scrutiny of BCCI’s decision-making and its alignment with national policy.
🗣️ Reactions from Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Priyanka Chaturvedi | “BCCI is compromising national sentiment for money.” |
| BCCI Officials | “India A’s participation is part of ACC commitments.” |
| Cricket Analysts | “India A matches are not senior-level diplomacy.” |
| Fans on Social Media | Mixed reactions ranging from support to outrage |
The debate has polarized public opinion, with many questioning the timing and intent of the fixture.
📌 Political Context Behind the Criticism
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| India-Pakistan Relations | Ongoing diplomatic freeze, no bilateral series since 2012 |
| Terror Incidents | Recent attacks in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor |
| Cricket Diplomacy | BCCI’s stance on bilateral ties remains firm, but ACC events continue |
Chaturvedi’s remarks tap into broader concerns about symbolic gestures and national integrity.
📌 Conclusion
Priyanka Chaturvedi’s pointed criticism of the BCCI over the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens match at the Rising Star Asia Cup has reignited debates on cricket diplomacy, national sentiment, and the role of sports in geopolitics. While the BCCI maintains that its participation aligns with ACC commitments, political voices like Chaturvedi’s underscore the tension between commercial interests and patriotic values. As the match approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on how India navigates its sporting engagements with Pakistan.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, tournament announcements, and media coverage. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement or policy advice.
