“This can only happen in Gujarat”: Sanjay Raut questions warm reception for Pakistan cricketers

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 14 (ANI): Reacting to the Pakistani cricketers getting a warm welcome in Ahmedabad ahead of their World Cup game against India, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that this can only happen in Gujarat adding that BJP made its government in Maharashtra in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray but it is not learning anything from him.

“The Pakistan team can come and get a grand welcome in Gujarat. This can happen only in Gujarat in the country. If it had happened in any other state, then the people of BJP would have raised a hue and cry. The BJP trys to teach us but they are now responisble for this” Sanjay Raut said.

Sanjay Raut said that the BJP should be ashamed of giving a cordial reception to the Pakistani cricketers.

“Balasaheb Thackeray stopped the Pakistan team in his time because our soldiers were being murdered. Our Kashmiri Pandits were getting murdered, that is why Balasaheb Thackeray had said that we would not allow Pakistan to come but in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray, the BJP formed a government in Maharashtra. When there is political benefit then BJP people take his name,” he said.

India and Pakistan will lock horns against each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Men in Blue will be keen to extend their seven-match winning streak against Pakistan while the latter will be looking to end their World Cup drought against Team India.

The pictures and videos of Pakistani players receiving a warm welcome for their matches in the World Cup in India had gone viral, with many netizens questioning why Pakistani players are being treated this way when the instances of terrorism continue from Pakistan’s side.

Fans on Social media also threatened to boycott the match due to Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism, once again sparking a ‘Boycott’ trend and debate about whether sports and politics can be kept separate.

This match between India and Pakistan comes after India’s two matches against the arch-rivals during a winning Asia Cup campaign. One match, held in the group stage was abandoned due to rain while India registered a thumping win in the next clash during the Super Four stage.

India began their World Cup campaign with victories over Australia and Afghanistan, while Pakistan has two victories in two matches to build momentum ahead of the major encounter.