NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Saturday took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, quipping that he would “watch the India–Pakistan clash in secret, wearing a burqa.”While talking to reporters, Rane said, “Aaditya Thackeray will watch the India-Pakistan match secretly, wearing a burqa, and his voice (mimicking a girl and saying I am Aditya) will be beneficial as no one would identify him and (again in female voice mimicking Aditya, says Pakistan Zindabad.)”

This response came after Thackeray targeted the BJP over the India–Pakistan Asia Cup match, alleging that the saffron party has changed its ideology and asking whether “blood and cricket can flow together.” Responding to the criticism, Maharashtra minister and cricket administrator Ashish Shelar said international sporting events cannot be dictated by bilateral political stand-offs. Speaking to reporters, Thackeray said Pakistan has carried out multiple terror attacks inside India and that broadcasters in the country should boycott the India–Pakistan match.“The BCCI is becoming anti-national. Why is the BCCI so excited about playing with Pakistan? Is it because of greed for money, TV revenue, advertisement revenue, or is it for the fees of players? When Pakistan can boycott Asia Cup just because it was in India, then why can not the BCCI do it?” he asked.“Had the real BJP been in power, it would not have allowed it. The BJP has changed its ideology,” Thackeray said.“If blood and water cannot flow together, how can cricket and blood be together?” Thackeray later said in a post on X.“Why the Union government (is) silent on playing with a country that harbours terrorism,” he further said in another tweet.