The Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devjit Saikia reacted to the criticism of India’s upcoming Asia Cup stability against Pakistan. Saikia said that under the current government policy, India is allowed to compete against any country in the multinational cricket tournament.
The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup has raised anger due to tension between the two countries, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed militants. Former cricketers and fans have voiced their rejection, some have also called for boycott.
We have to follow the central government – BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia
The Government of India updated its policy on athletes competing against Pakistan in August. Indian players are allowed to face Pakistan in the multinational tournament, but there will be no bilateral incidents between the two countries.
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BCCI Secretary Devjit Saik confirmed that the board would follow the policy and said that India would play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, which would follow government rules.
“As far as the BCCI’s approach is concerned till now, we have to formally follow the central government. Recently, our policy – taking into account India’s participation in any multinational or international tournament – is clearly stated that there is no restriction by the central government not to play on friendly terms with India.
We need to play – Devjit Saikia
India and Pakistan have avoided the bilateral cricket series since 2012, but have faced each other in multinational tournaments such as ODI and T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
Pakistan visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, while India left Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches held in Dubai. BCCI and PCB have agreed to follow a hybrid arrangement for all ICC events in the 2024-27 cycles.
“As the Asia Cup is a multinational tournament, which includes the countries of the Asian continent, we have to participate. Similarly, in any ICC tournament, even though it includes a country not in good positions with India, we need to play. As far as bilateral relations are related, we are not going against any hostile nation,” said the psychia.
We are following the policy prepared by the Government of India – Devjit Saikia
Devjit Saikia emphasized that the board would strictly follow the policy set by the Government of India about the busyness of sports with Pakistan. He said that boycott of Pakistan in the global tournament can lead to restrictions in many sports.
“So we are following the policy prepared by the Government of India, Youth and Sports Development Department. Therefore, the policy we are following, we are fully alignd with the policy prepared by the Central Government,” Saikia said.
“And for this, BCCI will have to do this. And we are very happy to follow the policy. And this policy is done very well, not only cricket, but also other sports,” he said.
India and Pakistan are placed in the same group for the Asia Cup. The group-phase match between the two teams will be held in Dubai on 14 September, which will be likely to face each other three times in the tournament.
In particular, India boycotted two encounters in the World Championship of Legends, a tournament characteristic of retired players in July, including seizing the semi -finals against Pakistan Champion.
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