Pahalgam terror victim’s kin say India–Pakistan match was right call, separate from violence

The family of a Pahalgam terror attack victim has urged against linking India’s Asia Cup cricket match with Pakistan to the April 22 massacre in which their relative was killed, insisting that sport and terror must be seen as separate issues.

Niraj Udhwani, a finance manager based in Dubai, was vacationing in Kashmir with his wife, Aayushi, when terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians, including him. The attack had sparked days of cross-border tension and civilian casualties along the Line of Control.

Despite their grief, Niraj’s family has taken a measured view of India’s decision to play Pakistan in Dubai on September 14. “It’s the spirit of the game. That is one matter, this [attack] is another. One should not mix the two,” said Bhagwan Das Udhwani, Niraj’s uncle.

Another uncle, Prakash Udhwani, echoed the sentiment, saying boycotting the Asia Cup would have damaged India’s reputation. “If India doesn’t play, its name will be tarnished, it will be out of the tournament. Pakistan is in Asia just like other countries. The match had to happen, and there is no issue,” he said, adding that boycotts are “just gimmicks.”

India went on to defeat Pakistan by seven wickets in recent T20 clash.

Niraj, who married Aayushi in February 2023, had studied in Dubai before returning to India for further studies and later working as a finance manager with Cognita Schools in the UAE. His widow has since returned to Dubai.

Earlier, BJP MP and former sports minister Anurag Thakur also defended India’s participation, noting that the match was part of a multinational ICC event.