Criticism builds ahead of India vs Pakistan match
India’s scheduled clash against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14 in Dubai has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott following the Pahalgam attack in April, where 26 tourists lost their lives. Fans and former players voiced disapproval, questioning why India should compete against a country not on friendly terms.
According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded firmly, making clear that the board is acting in accordance with the central government’s policy on international sporting participation.
“We have to follow whatever the central government formalises”
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking to ANI, defended India’s participation and said the policy framework is set by the government, not the cricket board.
“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI, responding to criticism of India’s scheduled Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan.
“Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India’s participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restriction imposed by the central government on whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India,” Saikia said, clarifying the government’s stance on multinational tournaments.
Obligations under ICC and Asian Cricket Council
Saikia emphasized that multinational tournaments leave India no choice but to play, in line with international agreements.
“As the ICC Cup is a multinational tournament involving the countries of the Asia continent, so we have to play. And also, for any ICC tournament, when there is a country which is not on friendly terms with India, we have to play in the international tournaments,” Saikia said, reiterating India’s obligation under ICC commitments.
He drew a clear boundary between global events and bilateral cricket:
“So far as bilateral is concerned, we are not going to play with any of our hostile countries,” Saikia said, drawing a line between multinational and bilateral contests.
BCCI aligned with government policy
Saikia underscored that the cricket board has no independent discretion in this matter, and is fully aligned with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
“So we are following the policy framed by the government of India, the Youth and Sports Development Department,” Saikia said.
“And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow the policy. That policy is very nicely done, taking into consideration not only cricket, but also other games.”
Risks for athletes beyond cricket
Addressing calls for a boycott, Saikia explained that withdrawing from multinational competitions could have consequences across Indian sport, not just cricket.
“Suppose in athletics, India is not playing a particular tournament because we have to play with a player belonging to a hostile country. In that situation, if any sanction comes with the Indian Athletic Association, then take the example, suppose Neeraj Chopra, he won’t be able to participate in any international event. So that will be detrimental to the interests of the players,” Saikia said, warning of the risks of applying boycott sentiments across sports.
He extended this logic to global federations:
“If you think that if India boycotts any of the multinational tournaments hosted by the Asian Cricket Council or the ICC, or if you take any other sports, suppose a FIFA tournament or an AFC tournament or any other, suppose, athletic tournament involving multinational teams, and India is not playing with a particular country, then there may be sanctions against the Indian Federation,” Saikia said.
“Government has taken all factors into account”
Finally, Saikia reassured that the current stance has been carefully considered at the highest levels.
“I am sure the government of India has taken into consideration all these factors while formulating the policy that allows India to participate, not only in cricket but also in other games, in various multinational tournaments,” Saikia said.
A policy-driven approach
With India due to start its Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against the UAE, the fixture against Pakistan remains the tournament’s headline match. For the BCCI, however, Saikia’s comments make clear that the decision is less about cricketing rivalry and more about adherence to government policy — ensuring India’s athletes remain active in the global sporting arena, while bilateral ties remain firmly off the table.
