India will continue to avoid playing bilateral matches with Pakistan, according to BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla, who cited the government’s stance and the feeling of the country after the horrific events. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its long-standing stance against playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan in the wake of the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir.
At least 26 innocent people were killed and over 20 injured in a vicious terror attack that rocked Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. The nation has been severely hurt by the brutality that occurred at the Baisaran, and it has sparked a wave of sadness, rage, and demands for justice.
In response to the unfortunate event, Rajeev Shukla denounced the act and sent his condolences to the families of the victims.
“We condemn it and stand with the victims. Anything our government says will be followed. Due to the government’s stance, we don’t play in bilateral series with Pakistan. Furthermore, we shall no longer engage in bilateral relations with Pakistan. However, we participate in ICC events because of ICC engagement. “ICC will take care of whatever is going on,” he told Sports Tak.
Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI, also conveyed his sadness over the attack, saying that the cricket community was horrified and saddened by the terrible event that killed many innocent people and injured many more.
The terrible loss of innocent life in yesterday’s horrific terror incident at Pahalgam has left the cricketing fraternity in shock and agony. On behalf of the BCCI, I offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and offer prayers for their souls, all the while strongly denouncing this heinous and cruel crime. We stand together in sharing their sorrow and loss during this tragic time,” Saikia told Sports Tak.
Notably, the BCCI has planned a number of dignified tributes for the April 23 IPL 2025 match between the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Before the game, there will be a minute of silence at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In observance of the holiday, both teams’ players and officials will wear black armbands. As a show of respect, all celebration activities, including as cheerleader performances and fireworks, have also been cancelled.
Prominent batsman Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and numerous other cricket players, both past and present, condemned the attack and offered their condolences on social media.
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