BCCI Rules Out Bilateral Cricket with Pakistan, Honors Pahalgam Victims During IPL

Mumbai, April 24: In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its decision not to engage in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan.

Speaking on behalf of the board, vice-president Rajeev Shukla stressed that India will continue to steer clear of one-on-one series with its neighbor “due to persisting security concerns and in deference to public sentiment” following the recent tragedy. India’s last bilateral tour of Pakistan took place in 2008, and the two sides have not competed in a head-to-head series since 2012–13. Since then, matchups have been confined to multi-nation events, most recently the 2023 ODI World Cup. India has also declined to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy; marquee fixtures originally slated for Pakistan will now be hosted in Dubai.

As a mark of respect for the 28 civilian casualties of the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI held a special tribute during IPL Match 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The evening’s proceedings commenced with a stadium-wide moment of silence, announced publicly before play began. Throughout the match, players, match officials, and commentators donned black armbands. Captains from both sides offered their condolences at the coin toss, and in an uncommon move, the league suspended all in-game entertainment—no music, cheer squads, fireworks, or DJ performances—so that the broadcast and stadium atmosphere remained suitably solemn.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issued a formal statement condemning the atrocity:

“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. 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. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy.”

This gesture underscores the BCCI’s stance that cricket cannot be divorced from the nation’s security landscape and collective emotions.