India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match to be cancelled? BCCI issues official statement amid criticism

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia reacted to the criticism surrounding India’s upcoming Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan. Saikia stated that under the government’s current policy, India are permitted to compete against any country in multinational cricket tournaments.

The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup has sparked anger due to tensions between the two countries, especially following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Former cricketers and fans have voiced their disapproval, with some even calling for a boycott.

We Have to Follow the Central Government - BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia

The Indian government updated its policy on athletes competing against Pakistan in August. Indian players are allowed to face Pakistan in multinational tournaments, but bilateral events between the two countries will not take place.

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BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will follow this policy and added that India will play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, adhering to government rules.

“So far as the BCCI's view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy—regarding India's participation in any multinational or international tournament—clearly states that there are no restrictions imposed by the central government on playing against countries not on friendly terms with India. So, India have to play all matches in any multinational tournament,” Saikia told ANI exclusively.

We Are Required to Play - Devajit Saikia

India and Pakistan have avoided bilateral cricket series since 2012, but they have faced each other in multinational tournaments such as the ODI and T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup.

Pakistan toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, while India skipped Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches held in Dubai. The BCCI and PCB have agreed to follow a hybrid arrangement for all ICC events in the 2024-27 cycle.

“As the Asia Cup is a multinational tournament involving countries from the Asian continent, we have to participate. Similarly, in any ICC tournament, even if it involves a country not on good terms with India, we are required to play. As far as bilateral ties are concerned, we are not going to play against any hostile nation,” Saikia added.

We Are Following the Policy Framed by the Government of India - Devajit Saikia

Devajit Saikia emphasized that the board will strictly follow the policy set by the Indian government regarding sporting engagements with Pakistan. He noted that boycotting Pakistan in global tournaments could lead to sanctions across multiple sports.

"So we are following the policy framed by the government of India, the Youth and Sports Development Department. So, the policy we are following we are totally in alignment with the policy framed by the central government," Saikia stated.

"And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow the policy. And that policy is very nicely done, taking into consideration not only cricket, but also other games," he said.

India and Pakistan are placed in the same group for the Asia Cup. The group-stage match between the two teams will take place on September 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of facing each other up to three times in the tournament.

Notably, India boycotted two encounters in the World Championship of Legends, a tournament featuring retired players in July, including forfeiting the semi-final against Pakistan Champions.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025 finalists announced