NEW DELHI — Amid growing public criticism and calls for a boycott following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has defended India’s decision to play Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup match on September 14 in Dubai. Saikia stated that the BCCI is following a recently revised government policy that permits Indian teams to play countries with whom it has strained relations in multinational tournaments, while still banning bilateral contests.
The controversy stems from a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. In the wake of the incident, former cricketers and fans have urged a complete boycott of any sporting engagements with Pakistan.
However, Saikia clarified that a new policy introduced by the central government in August allows Indian athletes to participate in international events even if they involve countries considered hostile. The BCCI Secretary emphasized that India’s participation in the Asia Cup, an International Cricket Council (ICC) event, is mandatory under these guidelines.
“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalizes,” Saikia told ANI. “Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India’s participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restriction imposed by the central government on whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India.”
Saikia drew a clear distinction between these multilateral events and bilateral series, which will remain on hold. He stressed that refusing to play in a tournament like the Asia Cup could lead to sanctions from international sporting bodies. To illustrate the broader impact, he used the example of star athlete Neeraj Chopra, suggesting that a similar boycott in athletics could prevent him from competing in international events, harming the interests of Indian players.
According to Saikia, the policy is designed to balance national interests with the careers of Indian athletes across all sports, ensuring they can continue to compete on the global stage without inviting penalties.