The terrorist attack in Pulwama has once again significantly impacted India and Pakistan's cricketing relations. In response to the attack, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has taken a firm stance, clearly stating that the Indian cricket team will not play any bilateral series with Pakistan.
BCCI Writes to ICC: The terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, further strained the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan. Following the attack, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting that India and Pakistan not be placed in the same group during ICC tournaments.
BCCI's Firm Stance
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla clarified that India will not play any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. He stated, "We follow the government's directives. We haven't played bilateral series with Pakistan before, and we won't now." The BCCI has requested the ICC to avoid placing India and Pakistan together in any tournament's group stage.
This request specifically targets the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup and the Men's T20 World Cup in 2026. However, this would not apply if both teams meet in the semi-finals or final.
Uncertainty over Asia Cup
India is hosting the Asia Cup 2025, with both India and Pakistan placed in Group A. However, Pakistan's refusal to play in India has created uncertainty regarding the tournament's venue. Similarly, in 2023, India refused to play in Pakistan, leading to a hybrid model for the tournament.
Following the Pulwama attack, India suspended visa services for Pakistani citizens and ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country by April 27. In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights and expelled Indian diplomats.
