Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 14 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday said that the Indian cricket team is adhering to the rules while justifying India's scheduled cricket match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

Speaking to ANI, Maurya said that the match is going ahead due to certain complusions related to participation in international competitions while admitting that no Indian wants this fixture to happen.

'But when international matches are held and we want to continue as part of international tournaments, we have to be a part of it under compulsion. The country does not want to play against Pakistan very happily,' Maurya said.

Slamming Congress and Samajwadi Party for raising criticism over the fixture, Deputy CM said, 'SP is questioning this, those withdrawing cases against terrorists and inducting those who raise 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans, Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are questioning this. Their statements are irresponsible.'

The high-voltage contest will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in India's second Group A fixture. Both teams are heading into the contest on the back of convincing wins in their respective openers.

Meanwhile, women workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) on Sunday staged a protest in Mumbai with 'sindoor', opposing India's participation in the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, scheduled for today.

Shiv Sena UBT had announced to hold a demonstration against the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 cricket match scheduled to be held in Dubai.

Ahead of the clash, there had been a widespread demand from the opposition to boycott the match. However, the Centre had issued no objection from the Indian team to playing against Pakistan in any multi-nation tournament. (ANI)