The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia categorically stated that there were no restrictions imposed on Team India facing Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025. His remarks come after a section of former cricketers and fans objected to the arch-rivals locking horns, potentially more than once in the 8-nation tournament. The high-octane IND vs PAK clash will take place on September 14 in Dubai.
No restrictions on IND vs PAK: BCCI
As per news agency ANI, the BCCI secretary pointed out that the central government’s policy clearly stated that India could face Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments. Saikia stated that Team India will only not play against Pakistan in bilateral events, adding that there were no restrictions imposed by the Government of India.
“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India’s participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restrictions imposed by the central government whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India. So India have to play all the matches in any multinational tournament,” Saikia said.
The BCCI secretary further noted that India could face the risk of sanctions if they opt to boycott games against Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments organised by the ICC or the Asian Cricket Council.
“If you think that if India boycotts any of the multinational tournaments hosted by the Asian Cricket Council or the ICC, or if you take any other sports, suppose a FIFA tournament or an AFC tournament or any other, suppose, athletic tournament involving multinational teams, and India is not playing with a particular country, then there may be sanctions against the Indian Federation,” Saikia added.
