Following the Pahalgam terror attack in which at least 26 people were killed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reaffirmed its stand of not taking part in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. The declaration was made by BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, who made it clear that although India will continue to boycott bilateral matches, involvement in ICC events is based on international commitments.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, their cricketing match-ups restricted to international ICC tournaments. Their latest confrontation was witnessed in February when the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was played in Dubai. India had been adamant on not going to Pakistan for the tournament, and it was only because of this that the ICC introduced a hybrid model, where India played all their matches in Dubai.
‘No Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan’: Rajiv Shukla
In an interview with Sports Tak, Rajiv Shukla made India’s stance and support for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack clear.
“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,” he maintained.
The remarks were made in reaction to popular demands and growing national sentiment against any sporting relationship with Pakistan after the horrific attack.
BCCI Secretary Deplores ‘Cowardly’ Attack
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia seconded the sentiment, strongly denouncing the attack and voicing the cricket board’s solidarity with the victims.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy,” Saikia said.
Ex-Cricketer Demands Total Boycott
Ex-Bengal and KKR cricketer Shreevats Goswami also added his voice to the chorus, calling for a total boycott of Pakistan in international cricket. He put up an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “SAY NO TO CRICKET ! And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, ‘Oh, but sport should rise above politics.’ Really? Because from where I stand, murdering innocent Indians seems to be their national sport. And if that’s how they play – then it’s time we respond in a language they truly understand. Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance.”
ENOUGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/1fF6XUhgng
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 22, 2025
Goswami, having recently traveled to Pahalgam for the Legends League, reminisced over the tragic upturn of peace in the region.
“I’m furious. I’m devastated. Just a few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League – I walked through Pahalgam, met the locals, saw hope returning to their eyes. It felt like peace had finally found its way back. And now… this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you,” he wrote.
While the nation mourns, India’s cricket establishment is unyielding in its stance, both in consonance with the government’s policy and in larger calls for national unity.
