After BCCI is asked to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan, vice-president Shukla shares board’s stance

India continue to play cricket matches against Pakistan in ICC events despite boycotting the bilateral series. Now they have been asked to implement a complete boycott. read more

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was asked to end all cricketing ties with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, vice-president Rajiv Shukla has said that India will continue to boycott the bilateral series. However, the decision regarding playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments rests with the International Cricket Council, he added.

India have not engaged with Pakistan in a bilateral series since 2012-13 and the two neighbours only play against each other in ICC tournaments. Their latest meeting in cricket was in February in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.

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In fact, India had also refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, forcing the ICC to implement a hybrid model, as per which the Men in Blue played all their matches in Dubai.

BCCI says no bilaterals with Pakistan in future

BCCI was urged to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan by former Bengal and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Shreevats Goswami. While BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was not addressing Goswami directly, he said India will not play against Pakistan in the bilaterals in the future.

“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,” Shukla told Sports Tak.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the “ghastly and cowardly act” as the terror attack has resulted in loss of at least 26 lives.

“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 wants complete boycott of Pakistan

While demanding a complete boycott of Pakistan in cricket, Goswami, on X, had written: “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.”

He also shared his recent experience of being in Kashmir and how he felt normalcy was returning but the latest terrorist attack has shown that we need to boycott Pakistan completely.

“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. It makes you question how many more times we’re expected to stay silent, stay “sporting,” while our people die. No more. Not this time,” Goswami added.

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