BCCI issues official statement on India vs Pakistan cricket future after Pahalgam Attack

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped its verdict on the bilateral cricket series with Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has confirmed that the board would follow the government's direction regarding cricket relations with Pakistan.

According to reports, around 28 people, most of whom were tourists, were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22. The attack has been described as one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama massacre. Indian cricketers and several celebrities have condemned the attack.

We Will Not Play with Pakistan in Bilaterals - Rajeev Shukla

Speaking to Sports Tak, Rajeev Shukla confirmed that India will not engage in a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. Shukla expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack. However, he added that India will participate in matches against Pakistan during ICC events.

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"We will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward," Shukla said, while speaking to Sports Tak.

"We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don't play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government's stand," he added.

"And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to the ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware that whatever is happening, they will do it."

Also Read: Mohammad Hafeez releases colossal statement on Pahalgam terror attack

The Cricketing Community Is Deeply Shocked - BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He stated that the cricketing community is deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of innocent lives.

"The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday," Saikia said.

"On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with the strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy," he added.

India and Pakistan's Last Bilateral Series Took Place in 2012-2013

The BCCI honored the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks during the recent IPL 2025 match between SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on Wednesday, April 23. The event began with a minute of silence at the stadium, and players wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs series. The Men in Blue last toured to Pakistan in 2008 during the Asia Cup.

The two teams only meet in international tournaments, such as the ODI World Cup 2023, where Pakistan visited India. However, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, and all matches, including those involving Pakistan, were played in Dubai.

Also read: ECB pressured to offer The Hundred stake to BCCI just to get Indian players