In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reaffirmed its decision to maintain a complete halt on bilateral cricket relations with Pakistan. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the board stands by the Indian government's stance and will not engage in bilateral series with Pakistan under any circumstances. Speaking to Sports Tak, Shukla remarked, “We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we follow. We don’t play Pakistan in bilaterals because of the government’s position, and that will continue. However, during ICC events, we play as part of ICC obligations. The ICC is also aware of the situation.”
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India for a short limited-overs series. The last time the Indian team traveled to Pakistan was in 2008. Since then, the two arch-rivals have only faced each other in multinational ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup 2023, where Pakistan traveled to India. Notably, India declined to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, prompting the ICC to relocate all India matches including their fixture against Pakistan and the tournament final — to Dubai.
In a poignant tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI honored those who lost their lives during IPL Match 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI), held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. According to a media advisory issued by the board, the tribute began with a 60-second silence observed before the toss. A formal announcement over the public address system allowed both the stadium crowd and broadcast viewers to participate in the moment of reflection. Captains of both teams expressed their condolences during the toss, strongly condemning the heinous act. Throughout the match, players, match officials, support staff, and commentators wore black armbands as a sign of mourning. The commentary team acknowledged the tribute on-air, reinforcing the sense of national grief and solidarity.
To maintain the solemnity of the occasion, the BCCI ensured that the match was conducted without fanfare a rare move in the otherwise festive IPL atmosphere. There were no cheerleader performances, DJ soundtracks, fireworks, or celebratory music during the entire game. This respectful silence allowed fans and players alike to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also issued a heartfelt statement, condemning the attack. “The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with the strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls,” he said.
As India continues to mourn the loss of lives in Pahalgam, cricket, a sport deeply woven into the nation's culture, becomes a medium of unity and remembrance. While the sporting rivalry with Pakistan remains confined to global stages, the BCCI’s firm stance and respectful IPL tribute reflect the broader mood of the country one of solidarity, strength, and unwavering commitment to national security.
