New Delhi: Amid rising public and political pressure following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its position on India’s participation in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, particularly the much-anticipated match against Pakistan. (India vs Pakistan)
Speaking to a news outlet, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the board’s decision to proceed with the fixture, citing India’s obligations under international sporting protocols. The match has stirred controversy due to its proximity to the tragic events in Jammu and Kashmir, but the BCCI insists the situation is far more complex than it appears.
“It’s Not a Bilateral Decision”
“This is a multinational tournament, similar to the Olympics or a FIFA or AFC event,” Saikia said. “We do not have the liberty to boycott a team based on bilateral tensions in such platforms.”
He emphasized that while India has avoided bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012-13 due to ongoing diplomatic tensions, multilateral tournaments fall under the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), where member nations must abide by existing commitments.
“Had it been a bilateral series, the decision would have been in our hands. But in tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025, we cannot unilaterally choose to withdraw from matches against specific countries,” he explained.
Global Implications of a Boycott
Saikia highlighted that boycotting a scheduled international match, especially in a tournament of this scale, could have serious repercussions for Indian sports bodies on the global stage.
“If we pull out, it not only impacts the integrity of the tournament but also affects India’s credibility in international sport,” he said. “Such actions can weaken our future bids to host major events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or even ICC tournaments.”
He further warned that any attempt to withdraw from a match could invite penalties or even sanctions from international governing bodies. “It’s not just about cricket. The consequences can spill over into other disciplines—football, athletics, tennis—impacting India’s standing and hosting rights across sports.” (India vs Pakistan)
Balancing National Sentiment and International Responsibility
The BCCI secretary acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the issue, particularly following the Pahalgam incident that claimed the lives of Indian security personnel. However, he insisted that the board must strike a balance between national sentiment and its role within the international sporting framework.
“We’ve made it clear that our relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board remains strained. We are not engaging in bilateral cricket. But when it comes to international tournaments, our hands are tied. A decision to withdraw would not just hurt Indian cricket but could also set a damaging precedent,” he said.
Focus on Players and the Bigger Picture
Saikia also stressed that any hasty decision could affect the careers of Indian players and disrupt the tournament as a whole.
“Our players have trained hard to compete at this level. It would be unfair to compromise their opportunities for reasons beyond their control, especially when we are part of a regulated international system,” he noted.
