BCCI Secretary Saikia defended India’s participation in the Asia Cup against Pakistan, citing government policy that allows involvement in multinational events.
New Delhi, Sep 7:
Amid growing public anger over India’s scheduled Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has defended the decision, citing central government policy on multinational sporting events.
The backlash follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, where 26 tourists were killed—prompting calls for India to boycott any sporting engagements with Pakistan.
“We Follow Government Policy,” Says BCCI
Responding to criticism from fans and former cricketers, Saikia clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is operating within the rules laid out by the government.
“We have to follow whatever the central government formalises,” Saikia told.
“As per the current policy, there’s no restriction on participating in multinational tournaments, even if countries unfriendly with India are involved.”
Multinational Events vs Bilateral Matches
The central government’s revised sports policy, introduced in August, allows Indian teams to participate in global or regional tournaments involving all countries, including those “not on friendly terms” with India.
However, it continues to bar bilateral sporting events with such nations.
“We are not going to play any bilateral series with hostile countries,” Saikia confirmed.
Pulling Out Could Invite Global Sanctions
Saikia also highlighted the risks of boycotting multinational events, including potential sanctions from international bodies like the ICC.
“If India refuses to play in a tournament due to the presence of a particular country, it could harm not just cricket, but all sports, with repercussions for Indian athletes globally.”
He pointed to Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra to explain the stakes.
“Imagine if in athletics, we refuse to compete because of a hostile nation’s athlete. If sanctions follow, someone like Neeraj Chopra might be barred from international competition. That would harm our players’ interests.”
A Balanced National Policy, Says BCCI
Saikia reiterated that the government’s policy is carefully designed to protect India’s strategic interests, while ensuring its athletes remain active on the global sports stage.
“The policy is not just about cricket. It’s crafted keeping in mind all sports and athletes. We are happy to follow it,” he said.
Background: Calls for Boycott Amid Terror Tensions
The controversy was triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, with many on social media and public forums demanding that India cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan, even in multinational events.
But under the current policy, India remains committed to its international obligations under bodies like the ICC and Asian Cricket Council, making participation mandatory.
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