Pahalgam Terror Attack: BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla Restates No Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan

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After the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the killing of at least 26 persons, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned and come out with symbolic and strategic steps. BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla restated India’s age-old stance of not having a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan by invoking the stance of the government and national feeling.

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Pahalgam Terror Attack Shocks the world

It was on April 22, 2025, that the peaceful tourist town of Pahalgam in South Kashmir bore witness to a gruesome act of terrorism. Gunmen started firing at a crowded tourist destination, brutally murdering more than two dozen innocent citizens and wounding over 20 others. The incident has ignited nationwide grief, outrage, and fresh demands for accountability and justice.

Rajeev Shukla: No Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan Post Pahalgam Attack

Addressing Sports Tak, BCCI vice chairman Rajeev Shukla spoke with profound sadness about the Pahalgam terror attack and gave a strict message about cricketing relations with Pakistan.

“We are with the victims and we condemn it,” said Shukla.

While asked about India-Pakistan cricket relations, he added:

“We do not play bilateral series against Pakistan because of the government’s stand. We will continue with the same stance going ahead. We play only during ICC events because of mandatory tournament commitments.”

Shukla asserted that even though the ICC demands playing in international tournaments, the decision to play or not in bilateral series is based on the Indian government’s instructions. 

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Condemns the Attack

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also released a strong condemnation, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families hit by the Pahalgam terror attack. He added that the cricket world is in one voice in terms of grief and solidarity.

“Entire cricket community is shaken to its core. We abhor this gruesome and cowardly act in the strongest possible words. Our prayers remain with the soul departed and mourning families.”

IPL 2025: MI vs SRH Match Pays Tribute to Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims

As a tribute, many things happened before the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) T20 IPL 2025 match at the Rajeev Gandhi International Stadium on April 23. Highlighted below are the tributes paid:

A one-minute silence before the start of the match.

Players and officials wore black armbands in tribute.

No cheerleaders or fireworks were present in a show of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam Attack.

BCCI’s stand mirrors national sentiment

The statements of the BCCI’s Rajeev Shukla and Devajit Saikia articulated a national sentiment of sadness, solidarity, and the serious desire to adopt an anti-terrorism perspective in our responses. The continued prohibition against bilateral cricket with Pakistan is a serious sanction that reflects the BCCI’s concern in addressing actions in response to national tragedies.

Cricket Community Mourns and Stands United

The Pahalgam terror attack will create an everlasting scar on the nation and also unite people, the cricket fraternity as well, in mourning and in resolution. The BCCI’s actions during IPL 2025, including the paying of tributes, and its position on bilateral relations with Pakistan demonstrate the capacity of sports as a medium for the cohesion of national unity.

ALSO READ: “IKILLU” Gautam Gambhir Threatened After Pahalgam Terror Attack: ISIS Kashmir Issues Warning

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