Jammu, February 18: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta has strongly reacted to the inclusion of Pakistan’s name on the special jersey unveiled for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Expressing his strong disapproval, he termed it as a calculated move of Pakistan to humiliate India and a reminder of Pakistan’s continued hostility towards India.
In a press release issued here today, Kavinder Gupta stated, "It is shocking and unacceptable that a sporting event’s branding is being used to glorify a country that has consistently harbored terrorism and worked against India's sovereignty. The inclusion of Pakistan’s name in such a manner not only hurts national pride but also raises questions about the ICC’s intent."
He further said it's not the first time; in the past also, several times, Pakistan has engaged in such acts to undermine India's sovereignty. He mentioned that in 2015, India had boycotted the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Islamabad for not inviting him when he was the Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly. He said Pakistan did it under a well-calculated move.
The then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan decided that India would boycott the Commonwealth Speakers' Conference held in Islamabad in protest against Pakistan's decision not to invite the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calling it a disputed territory. Kavinder called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Union Government to take up the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and ensure that India’s concerns are addressed.
He emphasized that the sentiments of millions of Indian cricket fans must not be ignored, and any such moves that attempt to downplay Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism should be opposed. "Sports should promote peace and camaraderie, not be used as a tool to normalize relations with a country that continues to support anti-India activities.
The government must take a firm stand, and if necessary, reconsider India’s participation in the event," he added. The former Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed BJP’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s dignity on every platform and ensuring that no compromise is made on matters concerning national pride.
He reiterated that India's stance on Pakistan’s mischiefs has always been firm and unwavering. He urged authorities to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty, emphasizing that strong diplomatic and strategic measures should be taken to counter such calculated provocations.
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