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MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its position regarding the national team’s Asia Cup 2025 fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has recently reiterated that the board strictly follows the central government’s policy and that there is no restriction on participation in multinational tournaments.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on September 14 in Dubai during the Asia Cup 2025. However, calls for a boycott from certain former cricketers and fans in India had sparked debate around the high-profile clash.
Speaking to Indian media, Saikia dismissed the concerns and explained that the board’s approach is guided entirely by the government.
“The current policy clearly states there is no restriction on playing against countries with which India does not share friendly ties,” Saikia said.
“As far as BCCI is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Therefore, India has to play all its matches in multinational tournaments.”
Saikia further underlined that the government’s directive covers all sports, not just cricket, ensuring consistency across disciplines.
“In events like the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments, India is required to participate regardless of diplomatic equations. However, for bilateral cricket, we do not play against hostile nations,” he explained.
He also cautioned that refusing to play scheduled matches in multinational tournaments could invite sanctions.
“We are aligned with the policy framed by the Government of India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The policy is clear, and the BCCI is fully committed to adhering to it,” Saikia concluded.
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