In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian civilians, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly ruled out any possibility of resuming bilateral cricket series with Pakistan.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, speaking to Sports Tak, stated that India will not engage in bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan going forward. “We are with the victims and condemn this horrific attack. As always, we will follow the stance of the Indian government. Bilateral cricket with Pakistan is not possible,” said Shukla.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, with India last touring Pakistan for a full bilateral series in the 2005-06 season. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in multi-nation tournaments like ICC events or Asia Cup matches, due to strained diplomatic relations.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia echoed the sentiments, saying the entire cricket community is “deeply shocked and anguished” by the Pahalgam attack. “We strongly condemn this cowardly act and stand with the families of the victims in this hour of grief,” he said.
In a show of solidarity, BCCI had earlier paid tribute to victims of the Mumbai terror attacks during an IPL 2025 fixture between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, with players wearing black armbands and observing a moment of silence.
The Pahalgam attack, reportedly carried out by five terrorists—three believed to be Pakistani nationals—has reignited tensions and brought any prospects of sports diplomacy between the two nations to a grinding halt.
