Pakistan’s shocking refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup has drawn scathing criticism from spiritual leaders in Ayodhya, who are pushing for the harshest penalty possible: a lifetime ICC suspension for the Pakistani team.
The match, set for February 15, was eagerly anticipated by millions. Yet Pakistan clarified it would join the tournament but skip this fixture entirely, citing unspecified reasons that smell of political maneuvering.
From the sacred precincts of Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya Dham, revered figures like Deveshacharya Maharaj have voiced unyielding outrage. ‘This is against every tenet of sportsmanship. Matches foster unity, not division,’ he asserted. Demanding an indefinite ban, he argued Pakistan should be isolated from global cricket, exposing what he called their ‘terrorist face.’
Madhusudan Das Maharaj went further, interpreting the boycott as cowardice born from India’s military superiority in operations such as Sindoor. ‘Pakistan backed out knowing defeat was certain. Now, they’re politicizing cricket—ICC must respond with a full ban,’ he insisted.
The saints’ intervention highlights how cricket, often a bridge between rivals, is increasingly strained by Indo-Pak hostilities. Fans are left grappling with the void of this marquee clash, while Ayodhya’s voices amplify a narrative of accountability. Will the ICC heed these calls, or will it tread lightly to preserve the game’s inclusivity? The coming days could redefine cricket’s boundaries in tense times.
