The India Cup match vs Pakistan Asia will be canceled? BCCI issues an official declaration in the midst of criticism
The secretary of the Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, reacted to the criticisms surrounding the next match of the Asian Cup of India against Pakistan. Saikia said that in virtue of the current government policy, India is authorized to compete with any country of multinational cricket tournaments.
The Indian-Pakistan match in the Asian Cup aroused anger due to tensions between the two countries, especially following the terrorist attack of Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists were killed by terrorists supported by Pakistan. Former cricket players and fans expressed their disapproval, some even calling a boycott.
We must follow the central government – the secretary of the BCCI, ahead of Saikia,
The Indian government has updated its policy on athletes in competition against Pakistan in August. Indian players are allowed to face Pakistan In multinational tournaments, but bilateral events between the two countries will not take place.
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The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, confirmed that the Council followed this policy and added that India would play Pakistan in the Asian Cup, joining the rules of the government.
“Regarding the BCCI’s point of view, we must follow everything that the central government formalizes. Recently, our policy – considering India’s participation in any multinational or international tournament – certainly declares that there are no restrictions imposed by the central government to play against countries and not in friendly terms with India. So said India to play all matches in a multinational tournament, “Saikia told Saikia.
We have to play – Devajit Saikia
India and Pakistan have avoided the bilateral cricket series since 2012, but they clashed in multinational tournaments such as ODI and T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy and the Asian Cup.
Pakistan has toured India for 2016 T20 World Cup And the ODI 2023 World Cup, while India jumped Pakistan for the Champions 2025 trophy, with matches held in Dubai. The BCCI and the PCB have agreed to follow a hybrid arrangement for all ICC events during cycle 2024-27.
“As the Asian Cup is a multinational tournament involving countries on the Asian continent, we must participate. Likewise, in any ICC tournament, even if it involves a country that is not on good terms with India, we have to play. Regarding bilateral links, we are not going to play against a hostile country, “added Saikia.
We follow the policy developed by the government of India – ahead of Saikia
Devajit Saikia stressed that the board of directors will strictly follow the policy established by the Indian government concerning sports commitments with Pakistan. He noted that drinking Pakistan in world tournaments could lead to sanctions in several sports.
“We therefore follow the policy developed by the government of India, the Department of Development of Young and Sport. So the policy we follow, we are completely aligned with the policy developed by the central government,” said Saikia.
“And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow politics. And this policy is very well done, taking into account not only cricket, but also other games,” he said.
India And Pakistan is placed in the same group for the Asian Cup. The group’s group match between the two teams will take place on September 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of competing up to three times in the tournament.
In particular, India boycotted two games in the world legendary championship, a tournament featuring retired players in July, including the loss of the semi-final against the Pakistani champions.
Read also: the finalists of the Asia 2025 Cup announced
