After the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where more than 26 Indians lost their lives, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla firmly stated that India will not take part in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral cricket series in the winter of 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India for a short limited-overs series. Before that, India had last toured Pakistan in 2008, but that was for the Asia Cup, not a bilateral series. In fact, the last time India toured Pakistan for a proper bilateral series was way back in 2005-06. Since then, political tensions have kept the two teams from playing a regular series against each other. Now, with terrorists getting help from outside, they are disturbing the peace in Kashmir and making both tourists and locals feel scared.
Shukla: No Bilaterals with Pakistan
“We will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” Shukla said.
“We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC event we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening they will to it,” he told Sports Tak.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia shared his heartfelt condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the tragic attack on innocent tourists.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with 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,” Saikia said.
After the deadliest terrorist attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the BCCI paid tribute to the victims during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians on Wednesday evening. Before the game began at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, a minute of silence was held to honor those who lost their lives. Players and officials from both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect. In a show of solidarity and mourning, there were no fireworks, no cheerleader performances, and no celebrations during the match.
