BCCI denies all speculations of requesting ICC about not playing with Pakistan in future amid rising tensions after Pahalgam attack

Following the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI refuted rumors of asking the ICC to avoid India-Pakistan clashes in future tournaments.

BCCI denies all speculations of requesting ICC about not playing with Pakistan in future amid rising tensions after Pahalgam attack

The BCCI reiterated its decision regarding India-Pakistan matches, following the Pahalgam attack. (via Hindustan Times)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) denied speculation that it has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to not club India and Pakistan in future events following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. BCCI officials clarified that the Board would strictly follow the government’s advice.

A ghastly terrorist attack took place on 22 April, 2025, at Baisaran Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Gunmen, linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, killed around 26 people and injured several others. Most of the deceased were tourists, who were on a vacation in the picturesque town of Pahalgam. The attack has left the relations between India and its neighbor Pakistan in a precarious position. 

Cricket, which has remained a medium of interaction for both the countries, is expected to be severely affected. The two countries have already, since the 2012-13 season, not engaged in a bilateral cricket series, owing to the geo-political and security concerns. Pakistani players have also been excluded from the IPL since 2009, following the Mumbai terrorist attacks in November 2008.

Despite the lack of bilateral series, the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams boards do face each other in ICC and Asian cricketing events at neutral venues. The two teams most recently played each other at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, at the Dubai International Stadium. While the tournament was hosted by Pakistan, India refused to travel to the country, as a result of which, played all of its matches in Dubai.

Following the Pahalgam attack, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated the board’s firm stance against playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan in the foreseeable future. Speculations have risen over the BCCI having reportedly written a letter to the ICC, making certain demands. It is rumored that the board put forward a request of India and Pakistan not being clubbed in the same group, in future ICC events.

As per Cricbuzz, a top BCCI office-bearer, however, rejected the claims. The unnamed official, however, highlighted that the board is sensitive to the prevailing national mood in the country.

The BCCI also reaffirmed that it would follow the government of India’s directive in such a matter. Should such a request be made, it would in turn affect India and Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2025 Asia Cup. 

Nonetheless, as per the arrangements, Pakistan’s matches at the upcoming Women’s World Cup will be played at a neutral venue outside India. In case of the Men’s Asia Cup later this year, while India remains the designated host, the tournament could be shifted to a neutral venue, UAE or Sri Lanka.

Lancashire CEO urges ECB to give BCCI a stake in The Hundred, to attract Indian players

Lancashire County Cricket Club CEO Daniel Gidney urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to offer the BCCI a minority stake in The Hundred. The move, he stated, would help teams attract Indian players to the highly popular cricket league, in the seasons to come. 

BCCI Hundred stake
Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney urged the ECB to give the BCCI a stake in the Hundred. (via News 18)

Active Indian men’s players are not allowed to play in leagues, other than the IPL. However, IPL teams owners, over the last few years, have increased their involvement in foreign leagues by buying stakes in teams. After SA20, MLC and the ILT20, the Hundred is the latest addition to his list of competitions, that includes teams with Indian owners.

Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney, who most recently traveled to India to finalize a deal for Hundred side Manchester Originals, with RPSG Group, urged the ECB to bring BCCI as a minority owner. He added that the step could change the BCCI’s mind in sending players overseas. Moreover, Gidney hoped for English cricket clubs to play exhibition matches against IPL franchises in the coming years.

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