Credit: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent a strong message after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Total 26 people lost their lives in a tragic incident leaving the whole nation in shock. Now, after two days of the incident, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla finally spoke up and reinforced that India will not play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
Notably, India and Pakistan haven't played bilateral cricket since 2012-13 but face each other in the ICC events. Between these years, Pakistan also traveled to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy and played all their matches in Dubai.
"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," Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
We stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also shared his condolences for the people who lost their loved ones in the tragic Pahalgam incident. As a tribute to the victims, the BCCI also paid a solidarity gesture during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday, April 23. All the players and match officials along with the commentators wore black armbands and observed a minute of silence before the start of the match.
“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," Devajit Saikia said.
