BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has lastly addressed the mounting controversy surrounding India’s scheduled cricket match towards Pakistan within the Asia Cup 2025, defending the board’s choice whereas citing authorities coverage tips.
The conflict between the arch-rivals is about for September 14 in Dubai, however has drawn fierce criticism following the devastating Pahalgam terror assault in April 2025, the place 26 vacationers had been killed by Pakistani terrorists. The incident has intensified calls from former cricketers and followers to boycott all sporting engagements with Pakistan.
Asia Cup 2025: BCCI secretary reacts to criticism surrounding IND vs PAK fixture
Chatting with ANI, Saikia clarified that the BCCI operates strictly throughout the framework established by the central authorities. The not too long ago revised coverage, carried out in August 2025, distinguishes between bilateral and multilateral sporting occasions.
“As far as the BCCI’s view is worried, now we have to observe regardless of the central authorities formalises. Not too long ago, our coverage, which is in place, concerning India’s participation in any multinational match or worldwide match, there isn’t any restrictions imposed by the central authorities whether or not we play any of the international locations which aren’t on good phrases with India,” Saikia acknowledged.
He additional added, “So India must play all of the matches in any multinational match. Because the ICC Cup is a multinational match involving the international locations of the Asia continent, so now we have to play. And likewise, for any ICC match, when there’s a nation which isn’t on pleasant phrases with India, now we have to play within the worldwide tournaments. As far as bilateral is worried, we’re not going to play with any of our hostile international locations.”
The coverage prohibits bilateral contests whereas allowing participation in multinational occasions organized by worldwide our bodies such because the ICC and Asian Cricket Council.
Devajit Saikia sheds mild on worldwide sanctions driving the BCCI choice
Saikia emphasised potential penalties of boycotting multilateral tournaments, warning that refusal might lead to sanctions from worldwide sporting federations.
“So we’re following the coverage framed by the federal government of India, the Youth and Sports activities Growth Division. So, the coverage we’re following we’re completely in alignment with the coverage framed by the central authorities. And for that, BCCI should do it. And we’re very joyful to observe the coverage,” he defined.
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For example potential repercussions, Saikia referenced Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra: “Suppose, taking an instance, suppose in athletics, India is just not taking part in a specific match as a result of now we have to play with a participant belonging to a hostile nation. In that scenario, if any sanction comes with the Indian Athletic Affiliation, then take the instance, suppose Neeraj Chopra, he gained’t have the ability to take part in any worldwide occasion. In order that can be detrimental to the pursuits of the gamers.”
Concluding his assertion, Saikia mentioned, “I’m certain the federal government of India has considered all these elements whereas formulating the coverage that permits India to take part, not solely in cricket but additionally in different video games, in numerous multinational tournaments.”
The controversy comes months after India launched Operation Sindoor – precision airstrikes concentrating on terrorist camps throughout Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam assault. Regardless of political tensions, the BCCI maintains its dedication to honour obligations to worldwide cricket governing our bodies whereas upholding the federal government’s prohibition on bilateral sporting exchanges with Pakistan.
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