IPL 2025: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that India will not play any bilateral cricket against Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13. India last visited Pakistan in 2008. Both teams face each other only during ICC or ACC tournaments. Pakistan last visited India for the ODI World Cup 2023. However, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and all the matches of Team India were held in Dubai.
What did Rajeev Shukla say?
Rajeev Shukla told Sports Tak, ‘We are with the victims and we condemn it.We will follow the directives of our administration. Due to the government’s attitude, we do not play bilateral series with Pakistan. In the future, we shall also refrain from playing bilateral matches with Pakistan. But when it comes to ICC competition, we play because of ICC’s engagements. ICC is also aware of what is happening and hopefully they will also support.’
Saikia had also condemned
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia had also expressed grief over the Pahalgam terror attack. He said, ‘The cricket community is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of innocent people in the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam. BCCI strongly condemns this gruesome and cowardly act. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the departed souls. We stand with them in this hour of grief to share their grief and pain.’
Moment of silence observed in Mumbai-Hyderabad match
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to those who died in the terror attack in Pahalgam during IPL 2025 match number 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. 26 people, including two foreign nationals, were killed in this terror attack. A 60-second silence was observed before the match started. The spectators were asked to join in the silence.
Captains also condemned the incident
During the toss, the captains of both the teams expressed their condolences and strongly condemned this heinous act. Players, match officials, commentators and support staff wore black arm bands throughout the match. The BCCI also decided to hold the match without any fanfare. No cheerleaders performed during the match. Also, fireworks were not used for celebration. Music or DJ was also not arranged.
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