New Delhi: In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives in Kashmir on April 22, reactions have poured in from all corners, including the sports world. The heinous attack, carried out by terrorists from a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, targeted a group of unsuspecting tourists in the scenic meadows of Baisaran, making it one of the most horrific events in recent memory.
Following the attack, cricket between India and Pakistan has once again come under scrutiny. For the past decade, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC (International Cricket Council) and continental cricket events, with the last bilateral series between the two nations taking place in 2012-13. These high-profile matches always draw massive attention from fans across the globe, particularly during ICC tournaments or regional events like the Asia Cup.
Reports soon emerged speculating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had written to the ICC, requesting that India and Pakistan not be placed in the same group during future global events, such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, following the Pahalgam attack. However, a Cricbuzz report clarified that the BCCI had denied these claims. A senior BCCI official told the publication, “Such a development is news to me. While we are sensitive to the prevailing national mood, there is no truth to the speculation.”
The BCCI further emphasized its position on playing against Pakistan. In a statement, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated the board’s support for the victims of the attack and condemned the violence. “We stand with the victims, and we condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. We don’t play Pakistan in bilateral series due to the government’s stance, and we will continue to uphold that policy. However, we do play against Pakistan in ICC events due to the nature of the global cricketing calendar,” Shukla explained.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also expressed his condolences on behalf of the board. “The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. On behalf of the BCCI, we strongly condemn this cowardly act and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this painful time,” he said.
Looking ahead, there are no major men’s ICC events this year, although the Women’s World Cup will take place in India later in 2025, where Pakistan will play its matches at neutral venues, as per prior agreements. The men’s Asia Cup, where India is the designated host, is also set to be held at a neutral location.
While speculation regarding future India-Pakistan encounters continues, the BCCI has made its position clear: they will follow the government’s lead in the matter of bilateral engagements, but will continue to participate in ICC events as per the international commitments of the cricketing body.
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