In a dramatic turn at the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s decision to boycott their scheduled match against India has ignited fierce backlash from Hindu saints in Ayodhya. The holy city, revered for its spiritual significance, has become the epicenter of calls for severe punitive action against the Pakistani cricket team.
The controversy erupted after Pakistan announced it would participate in the T20 World Cup but refuse to take the field against India on February 15. This unexpected move has stunned cricket fans across India, sparking debates on sportsmanship, geopolitics, and the integrity of international cricket.
Leading the charge from Ayodhya’s Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi, Deveshacharya Maharaj condemned Pakistan’s stance as a blatant violation of the spirit of the game. ‘Cricket is about brotherhood and fair play, not enmity or refusal to compete,’ he declared. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to impose a lifetime ban on Pakistan, barring them from facing not just India but any opponent worldwide. ‘Pakistan has revealed its true terrorist ideology,’ he added sharply.
Echoing these sentiments, Madhusudan Das Maharaj of Hanumangarhi praised Pakistan’s apparent fear. Referencing past military operations like Operation Sindoor, he claimed Pakistan knew it couldn’t match India on the field. ‘They’ve brought politics into sports and must face consequences,’ he said, calling for a permanent ICC ban.
This outcry from Ayodhya underscores deepening tensions between the two nations, often spilling over from politics into sports. As the cricket world watches, the saints’ demand raises questions about whether the ICC will prioritize sporting ethics over diplomatic niceties. For now, the boycott has cast a shadow over what promised to be a high-stakes showdown, leaving fans disappointed and nationalists outraged.