Film Union Demands Halt to India-Pakistan Cricket Match Telecast

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has formally requested that the broadcast of the India-Pakistan cricket match during the 2025 Asia Cup be canceled. This request has been directed to both Sony TV and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The match is scheduled for September 14th, and it marks the first cricket encounter between the two nations following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The FWICE, representing a significant portion of the Indian film industry’s technical and artistic workforce, expressed its disapproval of the match’s broadcast, citing concerns about national sentiment. The letter from the organization emphasized the impact of the Pulwama attack in February 2019, where 40 Indian soldiers were killed. They argue that airing the match at this time would be seen as disrespectful to the sacrifices of these soldiers. The FWICE also pointed to the recent attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, where 26 people lost their lives, and suggested that broadcasting the match would prioritize entertainment over national values. The organization referenced the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s advice to the Indian media and entertainment sector to avoid collaborating with Pakistan or Pakistani artists. FWICE’s leader, Ashok Joy, stressed the importance of prioritizing national interests and the dignity of Indian citizens over entertainment and financial benefits, urging Sony TV to honor the nation’s sentiments.