In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a resolute stand against Pakistan, making it clear that bilateral cricket ties will not resume under the current circumstances. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated that India will not engage in any bilateral cricketing engagements with Pakistan, aligning with the government's policy on diplomatic relations following acts of terror.
Since their last bilateral series in 2012-13—when Pakistan visited India for a limited-overs tour—the two nations have only clashed in global tournaments. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India, the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, compelling the ICC to relocate key matches, including a high-voltage India-Pakistan clash and the final, to Dubai.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Shukla emphasized, "We stand in complete solidarity with the victims. The BCCI follows the Indian government's stance, and we will not resume bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Our only engagement with them comes through ICC-mandated tournaments. Even the ICC is well aware of the prevailing situation and will take necessary steps."
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia echoed this sentiment, expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack. “The cricket fraternity is deeply anguished by this monstrous act of terror. On behalf of the BCCI, I offer our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims. We stand with them in their sorrow and denounce this brutality in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
As a symbol of national mourning and unity, the BCCI dedicated Indian Premier League (IPL) match no. 41—between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium—to the victims. The match began with a minute’s silence, offering both the stadium crowd and viewers at home a moment to reflect. Players, support staff, and officials wore black armbands as a visible sign of mourning, while the captains used the pre-match toss to express their condolences.
In a further mark of respect, the BCCI scaled back the usual entertainment surrounding the game. The match was held without cheerleaders, pyrotechnics, music, or DJ commentary, preserving a quiet, dignified atmosphere that matched the gravity of the national tragedy. The gesture served as a collective show of empathy and resolve from the cricketing world, mirroring the nation’s grief and determination.