BCCI could push for new measure to corner Pakistan cricket team: Source

While the BCCI has denied that it has decided to boycott the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket board could still push for a stern measure to corner the Pakistan cricket team. read more

India and Pakistan in different groups at ICC events could soon become a possibility. Image: Reuters

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports that it was planning to boycott the Asia Cup T20 2025 with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) now headed by Pakistan Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, however, they may still take some strong steps to corner the Pakistan cricket team in international cricket in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and the subsequent successful Operation Sindoor by India, in which it destroyed multiple terror campsites, has led to the worsening of the relationship between India and Pakistan. The BCCI has been urged by fans and experts to boycott the Pakistan cricket team in international events.

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India have not played a bilateral against Pakistan since 2012-13 and only compete against their neighbours in ACC and International Cricket Council (ICC) events like World Cups.

A major newspaper in India reported a few days back that BCCI has informed ACC that it will not take part in the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men’s Asia Cup as the Asian body is headed by a Pakistani minister .

This report was refuted by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia , but a source from the Indian cricket board says that India may still push for the Men in Blue to be placed in a separate group as compared to Pakistan in future ICC tournaments.

No India and Pakistan in same group at ICC events?

The BCCI efforts may take place at the ICC Annual Conference , which is set to take place in Singapore from 17 to 20 July. The BCCI source added that the India-Pakistan issue is set to dominate the proceedings at the conference, which will be the first one under the new chairman, Jay Shah.

“The issue is bound to come up for discussion at the annual conference. While prospect of India and Pakistan not playing in ICC knockouts is unlikely, not drawing them in the same group, which has been the norm at ICC events, is a possibility,” a BCCI source told Indian news agency PTI.

Indian and Pakistan cricket teams have always been drawn in the same group in ICC events over the last decade to ensure at least one match between the rivals, which is the biggest money spinner for the broadcasters. The income of broadcasters would take a hit if BCCI manages to agree ICC for a separate group.

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It would also lead to financial losses to the ICC and e ventually to the PCB as well .

Also, remember that India and Pakistan have already agreed to a hybrid model for ICC tournaments in either nation until 2027. As per this agreement, India played their matches in Dubai during the Champions Trophy 2025, which was hosted by Pakistan.

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