India’s Sports Ministry recently said the country’s cricket team won’t engage in any bilateral sporting clash with Pakistan, but their participation in multilateral tournaments will not be stopped.
The statement came amidst the ongoing backlash surrounding the scheduled India versus Pakistan fixture in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
The arch-rivals are slated to square off on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in a Group A fixture. They might face each other thrice in the continental showpiece, provided both teams make it to the Super 4s and final.
Ever since the schedule was announced last month, the BCCI has faced significant criticism for agreeing to play against Pakistan as the tensions between two nations are at an all-time high following the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
Amid the outrage, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday (September 6) broke his silence, stating that the central government has not restricted participation against any nation that is not on friendly terms with India in multinational events.
“So far as the BCCI's view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy—regarding India's participation in any multinational or international tournament—clearly states that there are no restrictions imposed by the central government on playing against countries not on friendly terms with India. So, India has to play all matches in any multinational tournament,” Saikia told ANI.
“As the Asia Cup is a multinational tournament involving countries from the Asian continent, we have to participate. Similarly, in any ICC tournament, even if it involves a country not on good terms with India, we are required to play. As far as bilateral ties are concerned, we are not going to play against any hostile nation,” he added.
Saikia emphasized that the Indian board will continue to adhere to the policy formalised by the government. He also highlighted the consequences of boycotting fixtures against Pakistan in global tournaments across different sports disciplines.
"So we are following the policy framed by the government of India, the Youth and Sports Development Department. So, the policy we are following we are totally in alignment with the policy framed by the central government. And for that, BCCI will have to do it. And we are very happy to follow the policy. And that policy is very nicely done, taking into consideration not only cricket, but also other games," Saikia said.
"If you think that if India boycotts any of the multinational tournaments hosted by the Asian Cricket Council or the ICC, or if you take any other sports, suppose a FIFA tournament or an AFC tournament or any other, suppose, athletic tournament involving multinational teams, and India is not playing with a particular country, then there may be sanctions against the Indian Federation," he remarked.
Saikia further explained the repercussions the Athletics Federation of India and two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra could face if he opts out of competing in a tournament that features his Pakistan counterpart.
"That will actually go against the players of that particular event. Suppose, taking an example, suppose in athletics, India is not playing a particular tournament because we have to play with a player belonging to a hostile country. In that situation, if any sanction comes with the Indian Athletic Association, then take the example, suppose Neeraj Chopra, he won't be able to participate in any international event. So that will be detrimental to the interests of the players," he said.
"I am sure the government of India has taken into consideration all these factors while formulating the policy that allows India to participate, not only in cricket but also in other games, in various multinational tournaments," Saikia concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
