Sports

Terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals, including several tourists from West Bengal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a firm stance on its cricketing relations with Pakistan. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has unequivocally stated that India will not engage in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan until the government provides explicit approval.  

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The assailants targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.  

In a recent interview, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI's decision aligns with the Indian government's position on diplomatic relations with Pakistan. He reiterated that while the BCCI remains committed to international cricket engagements, it will not initiate or participate in bilateral series with Pakistan without the government's consent. This policy has been in place since the 2012-13 series, which remains the last bilateral cricket series between the two nations.  

Shukla's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the Indian cricketing community, where national security concerns take precedence over sporting engagements. The BCCI's decision underscores the organization's commitment to aligning its actions with the nation's foreign policy and ensuring that cricket remains a unifying force rather than a point of contention.

The suspension of bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan has implications for future international tournaments. While India continues to participate in multi-nation events organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the absence of bilateral series with Pakistan limits opportunities for the teams to engage in regular competition, potentially affecting their preparation and performance in global tournaments.

The BCCI's stance on not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan until government approval is a reflection of the current geopolitical climate and the organization's commitment to national interests. As the situation evolves, the BCCI will continue to assess its position in consultation with the government and relevant authorities.