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BCCI VP Says No India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket Amid Strained Ties

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has reiterated that India will not engage in a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan without explicit approval from the Indian government, citing the ongoing strained political relations. He stated the board's policy is to strictly follow the government's directive, which currently favors playing matches on neutral "third soil" rather than in Pakistan. Shukla highlighted enduring security concerns, referencing the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The last bilateral series between the arch-rivals was held over a decade ago, in 2012-13.

Key Points: India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket Not Possible: BCCI VP

  • BCCI follows government directive on Pakistan series
  • No bilateral series since 2012-13
  • ICC approved hybrid model for tournaments
  • Security concerns cited from 2009 Lahore attack
  • India's policy is to play on "third soil"
3 min read

"Don't think it's possible to have bilateral tours with Pak in current situation": BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla states India will not play a bilateral series with Pakistan without government approval, citing security and political tensions.

"I don't think it's possible to have bilateral tours in the current situation. - Rajeev Shukla"

New Delhi, January 24

Board of Control for Cricket in India Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has reiterated that India won't play a bilateral series with arch-rivals Pakistan without the government's approval.

Shukla said that with strained relations between the two nations, the cricket board will follow what the Indian government tells them to do in this matter. Notably, India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012-13.

In December 2012, Pakistan visited India for a 3-match ODI and 2-match T20I series. The T20 was a draw with India and Pakistan winning a match each, while the visitors took the ODI series 2-1

Speaking to ANI, Rajeev Shukla said, "In these circumstances, our stated policy is that we will do whatever the Indian government tells us to do in this matter. And ICC has also provided that if the government says something about a country, the cricket board will follow it. Similarly, in this case as well, whatever the government says will be followed. I don't think it's possible to have bilateral tours in the current situation."

Shukla reiterated India's stance on cricket ties with Pakistan, citing the government's policy of playing matches on "third soil" - either in India or abroad, but not in Pakistan.

"The stand of the Indian government has been there all the time in the past. I think that is absolutely fine. That's why I find bilateral tours difficult. Although Pakistan came to India many times after that. But then the Government of India made a policy: that any triangular series or international tournament, we will play together, but on a third soil. Third soil means either in India or abroad," Rajeev Shukla added.

Last year, following India's Operation Sindoor, the conflict between India and Pakistan deepened, which resulted in increased cross-border shelling from Pakistan and retaliatory action from the Indian Armed Forces.

Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Following this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches, allowing Pakistan to host the 2025 Champions Trophy while India played in the UAE. Similarly, Pakistan played their 2025 women's ODI World Cup matches in Sri Lanka while India hosted the tournament.

Shukla also pointed out the security concerns in Pakistan, referencing the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

"Where did this start? When the Sri Lankan team was attacked there, they had to run away. So even the government there cannot confidently say that they will give security properly," Shukla concluded.

The Sri Lankan team were on their way to Gaddafi Stadium during the Test match with Pakistan when terrorists believed to be from the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) fired indiscriminately upon the bus.

That barbaric attack left eight people dead and injured seven Sri Lankan players and staff.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad that politics overshadows sport. As a cricket fan, I miss those high-voltage India-Pak matches. The atmosphere is electric! But Shukla ji is correct about security concerns. The 2009 attack on Sri Lankan team is a chilling reminder. Safety is paramount.
R
Rohit P
The hybrid model (playing in UAE or third countries) seems like a practical solution for now. We get the cricket, but our players don't have to go to a place where their security can't be guaranteed. Win-win for fans, at least during ICC events.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the geopolitical tensions, it feels like we're punishing the ordinary cricket fans and players on both sides. Sport has historically been a bridge. Maybe a cautious restart, with matches only in India or neutral venues, could be a small step towards dialogue?
V
Vikram M
No bilateral series since 2012-13! Time flies. I remember that last series. The government's "third soil" policy makes complete sense. We can compete in Asia Cup or World Cup, but giving Pakistan the prestige and revenue of a full bilateral tour is not right given their actions. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Fully support this. Every time there's talk of cricket, we must remember Pahalgam and the lives lost. Operation Sindoor was a necessary response. Let's not forget the real issues for the sake of entertainment. 🇮🇳

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