‘Will not play with Pakistan in…’ – BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla makes huge statement after Pahalgam attack

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has stood firm on India’s stance to not play against Pakistan in bilateral cricket. Shukla was in conversation with Sports Tak where he said that the BCCI intends to toe government’s line as far as cricket with Pakistan is concerned. 

When asked to speak about ICC tournaments, Shukla was non-committal on the issue. Rajeev Shukla said to Sports Tak, “We are with the victims and we condemn it (the Attack). Whatever our government will say Will do. We don't play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when the it comes to ICC event we play due to ICC engagement”

It is to be noted that BCCI didn’t send its team to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. The Men in Blue played all their matches in Dubai after the tournament was played in Hybrid model. Rohit Sharma and his side won the tournament by beating New Zealand in the finals to win the title for a third time. 

BCCI’s statement on Pahalgam attack 

On Wednesday morning it was declared that the Indian Premier League game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will see no fireworks, DJ or cheer leaders perform. At the toss, both Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins came out and condemned the attack on innocent Indian civilians that occurred on Tuesday. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement “The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of BCCI while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy”

Former Under-19 World Cup winner Sreevats Goswami had taken to Twitter and urged BCCI not to play cricket with Pakistan. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, as well as former cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, and Irfan Pathan shared their anguish over the attack.