Overview:
Saikia emphasised that the Indian cricket board will keep following the policy set by the government. He warned of potential consequences if India refuse to play Pakistan in global tournaments across various sports, noting that such boycotts could expose the country to possible sanctions.
Amid the growing backlash over India’s Asia Cup clash with Pakistan on 14 September in Dubai, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia pointed to the recently updated policy, stressing that the central government has not barred participation in multinational events against nations with strained relations.
The controversy arises from widespread public anger following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 tourists. Many former cricketers and fans have expressed frustration at the prospect of facing Pakistan, with some advocating for a boycott of the match.
In August, the central government revised its stance on Indian athletes competing against Pakistani counterparts. Under the new guidelines, Indian teams may take part in multinational tournaments but will continue to avoid bilateral fixtures with nations considered hostile.
“As far as the BCCI is concerned, we are bound to follow the directives laid down by the central government. Under the recently clarified policy on India’s involvement in multinational or international tournaments, there are no restrictions from the government on competing against countries with which relations are strained. Therefore, India must play every fixture scheduled in such events,” Saikia told ANI.
“Since the Asia Cup is a multinational event featuring Asian nations, our participation is mandatory. The same applies to any ICC competition, even if it includes a country with whom India has strained relations. When it comes to bilateral series, however, we will not engage with any hostile nation,” he added.
Saikia emphasised that the Indian cricket board will keep following the policy set by the government. He warned of potential consequences if India refuse to play Pakistan in global tournaments across various sports, noting that such boycotts could expose the country to possible sanctions.
“We are simply adhering to the policy set by the Government of India through the Youth and Sports Development Department. The BCCI is fully aligned with this framework and will act accordingly. We are pleased to follow it, as the policy has been thoughtfully designed to cover not just cricket but other sports as well,” he added.
“If India were to boycott multinational tournaments organised by the Asian Cricket Council, the ICC, or even in other sports such as FIFA, AFC, or athletics involving multiple nations, and refused to face a particular country, it could lead to sanctions against the Indian federations,” Saikia concluded.