India vs Pakistan: BCCI urged ICC to avoid the same group after the incident in Pahalgam
India vs Pakistan has always been one of the most anticipated and intense rivals in the world of cricket. From packed stadiums to billions of fans worldwide, no match between these two cricketers is less than a festival. However, the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir has put a shadow on the future of this rivalry in the ICC tournament.
BCCI’s strong stand after Pahalgam attack
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, the Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a firm stand. According to reports, BCCI officials have written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), formally requesting that India and Pakistan should not be placed in the same group in any upcoming ICC event.
This step comes as a reaction to the national spirit after a tragic event. BCCI, while echoing the nation’s mood, has made it clear that cricket is a game that units, the current geo -political climate demands a responsible approach in scheduling.
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Official Statements
- Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, reaffirmed: “Whatever our government will say we 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 it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement.”
- Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary, extended “heartfelt condolences” and condemned the “ghastly and cowardly act,” underscoring the board’s solidarity with victims.
India vs Pakistan – a rivalry beyond cricket
It is important to note that India vs Pakistan rivalry crosses the boundary lines of the cricket sector. It lies deeply in history, politics and emotions. Every time these two teams meet, this is not just a match – it is a spectacle. But the BCCI now wants to ensure that the feelings around this rivalry do not follow the spirit of the game.
While the cricket world loves the thrill of an India vs Pakistan struggle, BCCI’s move throws light on a more grounded approach. This is not about denying fans enthusiastically, but about accepting the gravity of real -world events that affect the field of sports.
Implications for Future ICC Tournaments
- Group Stage Draws : If the ICC honors BCCI’s request, future draws for the ICC Men’s and Women’s World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophies may deliberately separate India and Pakistan into different groups.
- Knockout-Only Clashes : India vs Pakistan matches would then only occur in quarter-finals, semi-finals, or finals—heightening anticipation but reducing frequency.
- Broadcast and Commercial Impact : While broadcasters may lose guaranteed early India vs Pakistan viewership spikes, knockout-stage matchups could command even higher ad rates and global attention.
- Security and Logistics : Separate grouping mitigates large-scale security deployments and diplomatic friction around simultaneous group-stage matches in the same host cities.
Reactions from Stakeholders
- Fans : Mixed emotions-cum-gram-step India vs. disposant on Pakistan fixtures but understanding of security concerns.
- Former player : Some, such as pre-cricketer Srivat Goswami argued that India should “never play cricket with Pakistan” under current circumstances.
- Political Leaders : To a large extent to see the BCCI’s stand as an assistant, national security ideas align of sports scheduling.
- ICC : So far, No official statement. Given the impact of BCCI, the ICC is deliberately deliberately expected to be carefully intentionally before finalizing the group draw for a tournament like the 2027 World Cup.
What comes next?
- Asia Cup 2025 Draw : Asian Cricket Council can reconsider India-Pakistan groups, especially media-rights on a marquee matchup.
- 2026 T20 World Cup : Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka-possibly reflects BCCI’s request in its group-phase scheduling.
- Mobility of long -term rivalry : While India vs Pakistan is the biggest draw of Pakistan, its future scheduling will balance fan passion with real -world events.
Final Thoughts
The iconic India vs Pakistan rivalry is one of cricket’s crown jewels. But as the BCCI has rightly pointed out, the game cannot exist in a current situation. Real-life events like the Pahalgam attack leave a lasting impact, and cricket must reflect the emotions and sensitivities of the people it represents.