Asia Cup 2025: BCCI secretary addresses controversy around IND vs PAK encounter

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BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has finally addressed the mounting controversy surrounding India’s scheduled cricket match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, defending the board’s decision while citing government policy guidelines.

The clash between the arch-rivals is set for September 14 in Dubai, but has drawn fierce criticism following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistani terrorists. The incident has intensified calls from former cricketers and fans to boycott all sporting engagements with Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI, Saikia clarified that the BCCI operates strictly within the framework established by the central government. The recently revised policy, implemented in August 2025, distinguishes between bilateral and multilateral sporting events.

“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India’s participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restrictions imposed by the central government whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India,” Saikia stated.

He further added, “So India have to play all the matches in any multinational tournament. As the ICC Cup is a multinational tournament involving the countries of the Asia continent, so we have to play. And also, for any ICC tournament, when there is a country which is not on friendly terms with India, we have to play in the international tournaments. So far as bilateral is concerned, we are not going to play with any of our hostile countries.”

The policy prohibits bilateral contests while permitting participation in multinational events organized by international bodies such as the ICC and Asian Cricket Council.

Saikia emphasized potential consequences of boycotting multilateral tournaments, warning that refusal could result in sanctions from international sporting federations.

“So we are following the policy framed by the government of India, the Youth and Sports Development Department. So, the policy we are following we are totally in alignment with the policy framed by the central government. And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow the policy,” he explained.

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To illustrate potential repercussions, Saikia referenced Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra: “Suppose, taking an example, suppose in athletics, India is not playing a particular tournament because we have to play with a player belonging to a hostile country. In that situation, if any sanction comes with the Indian Athletic Association, then take the example, suppose Neeraj Chopra, he won’t be able to participate in any international event. So that will be detrimental to the interests of the players.”

Concluding his statement, Saikia said, “I am sure the government of India has taken into consideration all these factors while formulating the policy that allows India to participate, not only in cricket but also in other games, in various multinational tournaments.”

The controversy comes months after India launched Operation Sindoor – precision airstrikes targeting terrorist camps across Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. Despite political tensions, the BCCI maintains its commitment to honour obligations to international cricket governing bodies while upholding the government’s prohibition on bilateral sporting exchanges with Pakistan.

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