PVR INOX cancels India-Pakistan Asia Cup final screening in Maharashtra after Sena (UBT) protests

“Cricket matches with Pakistan are a mockery of the sentiments of the Indian public. After discussions, PVR has cancelled all India-Pakistan screenings,” the post read.

The Sena (UBT) has argued that organising or showing such matches amounts to disrespecting the victims of terrorism and the armed forces.

Aaditya Thackeray, who flagged the issue on Saturday, described PVR’s earlier decision as “disgusting” and an “insult” to those killed in the Pahalgam attack and to soldiers who took part in Operation Sindoor.

“Disgusting to see this.While you operate in India, please don’t forget that the wounds of the Pahalgam attack are still open. This, @_PVRCinemas, is an insult to all those who were killed in the terrorist attack, and furthermore, to our brave armed forces that conducted Operation Sindoor, some of whom also had to make the supreme sacrifice for our nation.” Thackeray posted on X tagging PVR’s post on X the screening of the match.

The final was to be shown across more than 100 PVR INOX properties nationwide. However, there was no clarity on whether the cancellation extended beyond Maharashtra.

PVR INOX has not issued an official statement so far.

Sena (UBT) leaders have also warned restaurants and clubs against telecasting the match, threatening to take “direct action” if screenings went ahead.

“Once again, it is proven that Shiv Sena – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – can influence not just Mumbai and Maharashtra, but the whole of Hindustan,” Chitre posted on X.