BCCI finally breaks silence on calls for India to boycott the Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025 after Operation Sindoor.
Updated: September 8, 2025 4:25 PM IST
New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team is preparing for their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the host nation UAE, ahead of the high-profile clash with Pakistan. The decision to face Pakistan has sparked a lot of controversies.
There has been several discussions going in both the sporting and political department related to the recent military tensions between the two countries. While some fans have called for India to boycott Pakistan in ICC and other multi-team tournaments, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained in an exclusive NDTV interview why such a move is not possible.
Devajit Saikia breaks silence on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash
When questioned about the criticism over the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash, Saikia stated that the BCCI is just following the guidelines issued by the Indian government regarding sporting ties with Pakistan.
“The technicality regarding participation of the Indian team, for cricket or any other sport, the central government’s sports department has laid down the guidelines as well as the policies. While framing the policy, I am sure that the central government has taken a very cautious decision, to lay out the guidelines which will help the sports federations at the national level. Accordingly we can take a call regarding participation in any multi-national tournament,” Saikia said.
Saikia added that boycotting Pakistan in sports isn’t possible
Saikia further explained why a full boycott of Pakistan in sports isn’t possible. He mentioned that India’s refusal to face their neighbours in multi-team events could invite strict penalties from governing bodies like the ICC or the Asian Cricket Council. He also noted that such actions might hinder the growth of emerging players and negatively impact their careers.
“The central government has taken into consideration all the factors, including the interests of the federations as well as the players’ concerns. A tournament which has a multi-national facet, and the team doesn’t participate, there may be sanctions against a particular federation. Such a situation would deprive the upcoming players and their careers,” he asserted.
India and Pakistan are set to face each other in the Asia Cup group stage on September 14. The two teams could play each other three times in Asia Cup.
Story Highlights
- Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team is preparing for their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the host nation UAE, ahead of the high-profile clash with Pakistan.
- Devajit Saikia finally opened up on refusal to boycott Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025.
- Saikia stated that the BCCI is just following the guidelines issued by the Indian government regarding sporting ties with Pakistan.
- Saikia further explained that India’s refusal to face their neighbours in multi-team events could invite strict penalties from governing bodies like the ICC or the Asian Cricket Council.
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