New Delhi, April 24, 2025 — Following the heartbreaking terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 innocent lives, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its stance clear — there will be no resumption of bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan. The statement came amid a growing public outcry for a complete boycott, spearheaded by former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami, who demanded that India draw a hard line when it comes to sporting relations with its neighbor.
Speaking to Sports Tak, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said the Indian board stands firmly with the victims of the recent tragedy and will continue to uphold the government’s directive of not engaging in any bilateral cricket with Pakistan.
“We are with the victims and we condemn this attack. Whatever our government decides, we will follow. That is why we do not play bilateral cricket with Pakistan, and we will continue to follow this stand,” Shukla emphasized.
However, he also pointed out that matches played under the banner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), such as the World Cup and Champions Trophy, are governed by global rules.
“In ICC events, we are obligated to participate due to ICC commitments. They are aware of the situation and will handle it accordingly,” Shukla added.
India Maintains Distance in Bilateral Series, ICC Tournaments Continue
India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-13. Their meetings are now limited to ICC tournaments, the most recent being the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 held in Dubai earlier this year. Notably, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to ongoing security concerns, prompting the ICC to implement a hybrid hosting model — India played all its matches in Dubai, while other teams competed in Pakistan.
Emotional Appeal from Ex-Cricketer Shreevats Goswami
Former Bengal and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Shreevats Goswami, deeply affected by the events in Pahalgam, voiced a passionate plea for a complete cricketing boycott of Pakistan. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goswami criticized those who argue that “sport should rise above politics.”
“SAY NO TO CRICKET! You don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever,” he wrote. “Murdering innocent Indians seems to be their national sport. If that’s how they play — it’s time we respond in a language they understand. Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With zero tolerance.”
Goswami recounted his personal experience of walking through Pahalgam just months ago during the Legends League, describing how he had seen signs of peace and normalcy returning to the region.
“It felt like peace had finally found its way back. And now… this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you,” he said, visibly shaken. “No more. Not this time.”
BCCI Secretary’s Strong Condemnation
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia echoed similar sentiments, issuing a heartfelt message of condolence and condemnation.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives. We strongly condemn this ghastly and cowardly act. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Saikia said in a statement.
He added that the BCCI shares the pain and grief of the nation and stands united with the victims in this hour of tragedy.
National Security Over Sports Diplomacy
The fresh wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment following the terror strike has once again sparked a debate over whether cricket can — or should — continue to serve as a diplomatic bridge between the two nations. While India has always fulfilled its obligations in global tournaments, the clear distinction between bilateral series and ICC events appears more rigid than ever.
The Pahalgam incident has added yet another layer of emotional and political complexity to the already strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. With strong voices from within the cricketing fraternity and the BCCI taking a firm stance, it’s evident that for India, national security takes precedence over sports diplomacy.
As things stand, any future meeting between India and Pakistan on the cricket field will likely remain confined to neutral venues under ICC’s watch — with bilateral engagements off the table for the foreseeable future.
