New Delhi, February 15 (NationPress) The eagerly awaited T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, set for this Sunday evening, has once again stirred intense political debates across various political factions.

While representatives from the BJP and its affiliates expressed assurance that India would emerge victorious, the Congress criticized the very notion of hosting the match, citing concerns over ongoing cross-border terrorism allegedly supported by Pakistan.

The two nations are gearing up for a clash in Colombo later today, and the atmosphere in the host city is already electric.

Streets are adorned with flags, hotel lounges are buzzing with animated conversations, and fans are expected to gather outside the stadium hours before the toss.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal expressed unwavering faith in Team India.

In a statement to IANS, he mentioned: "India has triumphed over Pakistan on the battlefield, and today our cricket team will dismantle Pakistan's squad on the cricket field, proving that India excels in every domain — the ultimate champion."

Kavinder Gupta, the Lt Governor of Ladakh, also voiced optimism regarding India's chances in the match.

"With 1.4 billion Indians rallying behind our players, India's victory is guaranteed. Pakistan falters against India in every sphere — from defense to other sectors," he stated in a conversation with IANS.

Another BJP leader, Ravindra Raina, conveyed hope for success, linking the match to the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.

"Today, as India faces its traditional rival Pakistan on the cricket field, we seek the blessings of Lord Bholenath and Goddess Parvati for our team," Raina remarked during his discussion with IANS.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad highlighted the connection between sports and national pride, asserting that victories on the field resonate deeply with the nation's emotions.

"The feelings of the nation are intertwined with the game, with players as its heroes... Regarding Pakistan, dogs perish on the streets because they can't find their direction. Similarly, some nations struggle to make decisions about governance or managing relations," Nishad told IANS.

JD-U national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad also expects an electrifying match.

Speaking to IANS, he stated, "This will be an exhilarating contest, and millions of Indian cricket enthusiasts are hopeful that India can deliver a resounding defeat to Pakistan and demonstrate its supremacy in the T20 World Cup."

On the other hand, the CPI-M welcomed the match, emphasizing that sports should remain distinct from political conflicts.

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah remarked to IANS, "This is a positive development after ongoing disputes. Sports should not be entangled in politics; they represent a unique aspect of civilization and life."

Conversely, Congress leaders vehemently opposed the match, referencing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that they attributed to The Resistance Front, a faction linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.

Rashid Alvi, a Congress leader, expressed strong disapproval of the match.

"No match should occur with Pakistan. How can we engage in a game of victory and defeat with those who infiltrate our nation and propagate terrorism, killing our people? A game — whether cricket or any other sport — is played with friends. With foes, we engage in a different kind of festivity, and that too, a festival steeped in blood," he articulated to IANS.

Senior Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo also questioned the rationale behind the fixture.

"The debate surrounding India and Pakistan competing in the T20 World Cup has become a focal point; do we truly wish to engage with Pakistan? Why should there be a cricket match if we are not maintaining diplomatic relations with this terror state?" he questioned.

As both teams gear up to take the field in Colombo, this match has transcended mere sport once again.