In a powerful gesture of solidarity, the BCCI reaffirmed its stance against bilateral ties with Pakistan, honouring the Pahalgam terror victims with black armbands and a silent tribute during the IPL.
April 24, 2025: New Delhi:
In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 innocent tourists dead, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it unequivocally clear: India will not engage in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan.
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BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla emphasized that the board stands firmly by the government’s position on the issue. “We don’t play Pakistan in bilaterals and will not in future either. Whatever the Indian government decides, we will follow,” Shukla said during an interview with Sports Tak.
He acknowledged that India continues to face Pakistan only during ICC events due to international obligations, but reaffirmed that bilateral cricket remains off the table.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also released an emotional statement, extending condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives… we stand hand in hand with the bereaved families.”
🎗️ A Tribute on the Field
During IPL 2025 Match 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the BCCI paid homage to the victims with a 60-second silence before the match began. The tribute was broadcast to audiences nationwide.
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Both captains condemned the attack at the toss, while players, officials, commentators, and support staff wore black armbands throughout the game. The commentary team acknowledged the tribute live on air, underscoring the nation’s shared grief.
To honour the victims further, the BCCI took the rare decision to suspend all celebratory elements during the match. There were no cheerleaders, fireworks, or music, creating a dignified, reflective atmosphere.
This gesture echoed India’s deep pain and reinforced the nation’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, both on and off the field.
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