The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly “invisibly boycott” the high-octane IND vs PAK match at the Asia Cup 2025. Over the past few days, there have been widespread calls from different section of fans, media and sportspersons to boycott the clash between the arch-rivals set to take place on September 14 in Dubai. While the BCCI had earlier stated that the match would go on as permitted by the Central government, a report has now claimed that the board could potentially boycott the clash.
BCCI to boycott IND vs PAK tie?
As per Dainik Jagaran, no BCCI officials have arrived in Dubai ahead of the IND vs PAK clash and that there are high chances that the board might invisibly boycott the tie. The report claims that the officials of the board want to distance themselves from the match amid widespread outrage over the contest following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will not attend the match as he is busy with preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The report further states that IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has also decided to not watch the game. BCCI acting president Rajiv Shukla, who is a part of the ACC, is the only official who is reportedlly likely to attend the IND vs PAK match. Further, ICC chairman Jay Shah is currently in the USA for a meeting and hence won’t be in Dubai for the clash either.
What did BCCI and GoI say?
The BCCI made it clear that it would follow the Government of India’s position. The BCCI in the past refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, forcing the ICC to hold the tournament in a hybrid model. India played Pakistan and other matches in the UAE. The Indian board also made it clear that there would be no bilateral cricket between the two nations.
“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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told news agency ANI.
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