BCCI has firmly reiterated its stance on no bilateral cricket with Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam attack that sparked renewed public and political outrage in India. The board, aligning itself with the Indian government’s diplomatic posture, has made it clear that bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan are off the table for the foreseeable future.
“We will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” stated BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla in an interview with Sports Tak, sending a decisive message to the global cricketing community. This statement came in direct response to the incident in Pahalgam, which has intensified national sentiment against any form of sporting engagement with Pakistan.
Cricketing ties linked to government stance
Shukla underscored that the BCCI’s cricket diplomacy follows the Indian government’s lead—a stance the board has historically maintained. “Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand,” he added.
The reiteration follows a wave of public demands for stricter action in light of the recent terror attack. In such politically sensitive moments, sports and geopolitics become deeply intertwined in the subcontinent, particularly in the context of India–Pakistan cricket.
Only ICC events will feature India–Pakistan clashes
While bilateral series are ruled out, India will continue to play against Pakistan in ICC tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup and the Asia Cup. These fixtures are governed by international commitments and not subject to individual board decisions.
“When it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of the situation,” said Shukla. These matches often command enormous global viewership and remain the only platform for the two cricketing giants to face off on the field.
BCCI’s hardening stance amid national sentiment
Shukla’s comments reflect the BCCI’s increasingly firm stance amid ongoing government concerns. “We are with the victims and we condemn it,” he stated. The board’s policy has consistently mirrored the national mood during moments of cross-border tension.
Though fans around the world yearn for the revival of the India–Pakistan bilateral cricket rivalry, current circumstances offer no indication of a thaw and bilateral cricket remains a non-starter.
For now, fans will have to wait for ICC events to witness the world’s most watched cricket rivalry—albeit in a limited format and under strict international governance.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
