After the dreaded Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir, which saw more than 26 Indians die, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla gave his verdict on India facing Pakistan in bilateral cricket. “We will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” he said, to Sports Tak.
“We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC event we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening they will to it.”
Key Points
- The BCCI, led at the time by president Anurag Thakur, cited public sentiment and the Indian government’s strategy to isolate Pakistan as the main reasons for this request.
- The BCCI stated that while India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series since 2012, they have routinely faced each other in multi-nation ICC tournaments, often being placed in the same group to maximize viewership.
- The BCCI clarified that if both teams reach the semi-finals or finals and have to play each other, such a clash would be unavoidable, but they requested that group-stage encounters be avoided.
- This stance was discussed and decided during a Special General Meeting of the BCCI, reflecting both the political climate and public opinion in India at the time.
Background:
Traditionally, the ICC has placed India and Pakistan in the same group in global tournaments to capitalize on the intense rivalry and high television ratings these matches generate. However, the BCCI’s request marks a significant shift, prioritizing political and security concerns over commercial interests.
| Factor | BCCI’s Position | ICC’s Traditional Approach |
| Group Stage India-Pakistan | Requested to avoid | Usually placed in same group |
| Knockout – stage encounters | Unavoidable if both teams progress | Determined by tournament results |
| Rationale | Political tensions, public sentiment | Maximize viewership, rivalry |
This request highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and public sentiment in the subcontinent, and places the onus on the ICC to balance commercial interests with geopolitical realities.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan: History And Stats In Asia Cup ODIs
BCCI reacts to Pahalgam attack
Recently BCCI took measures to pay tribute to the people who died during the Mumbai terror attack in the IPL 2025 fixture between SRH and MI on Wednesday. The stadium saw a moment of silence and the players also wore black arm bands.
