BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke to Hindustan Times amid growing boycott calls ahead of the Asia Cup Group A clash between India and Pakistan.
BCCI Defends Decision to Play India vs Pakistan Amid Boycott Calls
Amid rising boycott campaigns ahead of the Group A Asia Cup tie between India and Pakistan, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained the decision to go ahead with the match, stating it was taken in line with policies issued by the central government. Social media has been critical of the Indian cricket board for proceeding with the clash despite the national mood following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Saikia emphasized that there was no controversy within the board and that India had to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, considering it is a multilateral event. He added that boycotting the match could have jeopardized India’s future ambitions of hosting the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Earlier this year, 26 civilians lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The government also banned several YouTube handles from across the border, raising questions about whether cricketing ties would also be affected.
Once the Asia Cup schedule was announced, fans directed their anger at the BCCI, questioning the rationale for playing against Pakistan. Addressing these concerns, Saikia clarified that an international ban could not be risked, so the contest will proceed as planned.
He further added, “As it is a multinational competition, we are participating because we do not have a direct call or direct decision whether to play or not. Had it been a bilateral tournament, we could have always said that we would not play against any hostile country. And so far as Pakistan is concerned, we are not playing any bilateral tournament since 2012-13 onwards.”
BCCI: ‘Pakistan not friendly with us’
Amid rising boycott calls ahead of the Group A Asia Cup tie between India and Pakistan, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained the rationale behind the board’s decision to proceed with the match. He stressed that while unilateral decisions are easier in bilateral tournaments, multilateral events like the Asia Cup require adherence to international protocols and government guidelines.
Saikia noted that India and Pakistan could meet again in the Super 4s and final if both teams progress. He clarified that India has consistently avoided bilateral series against Pakistan since 2012-13 due to political tensions but is obligated to participate in multinational tournaments. “In multilateral events such as the ICC T20 World Cup or the Champions Trophy, we do not have a direct call. Boycotting would dilute the tournament and could trigger sanctions from international associations, affecting India’s ability to host events like the Olympics or Commonwealth Games in the future,” he said.
Highlighting the central government’s policy, Saikia said the BCCI is following the guidelines to protect players’ careers and ensure India’s participation in global competitions. “As far as bilateral tournaments are concerned, India will not play against any hostile country. But for multinational events, we will participate, in the interest of the game and our athletes,” he added.
Concluding on a motivational note, Saikia expressed confidence in Team India, urging players to focus on the game. “Whatever noise is being made regarding the match, I pray India performs well. We have to be winners not only in the air or on the borders but also on the cricket ground,” he said, wishing captain Suryakumar Yadav and the squad success.