By Zainab Shafiq 
In the aftermath of a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reinforced its policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. At least 26 lives were tragically lost when militants opened fire on civilians in the scenic Kashmir valley, sending ripples of grief and anger across the country.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, speaking with Sports Tak, reiterated the board’s unwavering position. “We stand with the victims and their families. Our policy remains clear—we will not engage Pakistan in any bilateral cricketing relations,” Shukla affirmed. He emphasized that while ICC events compel participation against Pakistan under tournament regulations, there will be no flexibility when it comes to India and Pakistan bilateral series.
India Blames Pakistan for Pahalgam Attack, Says No to Bilateral Series
The incident has reignited tensions not just diplomatically but across sports, once again exposing how politics and cricket are deeply entwined in the subcontinent. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also issued a somber statement, expressing the cricket community’s shared sorrow: “We condemn this barbaric attack in the strongest words. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
However, as emotional narratives grip Indian media, several regional observers have questioned the rush to blame Pakistan without conclusive evidence. Critics argue that this reactive posturing mirrors a pattern of using cricket as a political instrument, often damaging the spirit of sportsmanship and regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, India’s decision earlier this year to skip traveling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy further highlighted how cricketing ties continue to deteriorate. All of India’s matches were shifted to neutral venues in Dubai, underlining the deep trust deficit between the two neighboring countries.
While political leaders and boards maintain hardline positions, voices from the international cricket community have urged for greater separation between political crises and sporting engagements. Yet, with each new flashpoint, reconciliation seems to slip further out of reach.
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