No restriction by government, have to play all matches: BCCI Secretary Saikia on outrage over India-Pak Asia Cup clash

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed complaints regarding the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. The outcry follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed in an attack by militants supported by Pakistan. Since then, a number of cricket players and supporters have expressed their anger, even advocating for a boycott of the game.

A policy pertaining to Indian athletes competing against Pakistani athletes in sporting events was updated by the central government in August. The policy states that while India is permitted to compete in international tournaments, it will not take part in bilateral contests.

“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. Recently, our policy, which is in place, regarding India’s participation in any multinational tournament or international tournament, there is no restrictions imposed by the central government whether we play any of the countries which are not on good terms with India. So India have to play all the matches in any multinational tournament," Saikia was quoted as saying to ANI.

“As the ICC Cup is a multinational tournament involving the countries of the Asia continent, so we have to play. And also, for any ICC tournament, when there is a country which is not on friendly terms with India, we have to play in the international tournaments. So far as bilateral is concerned, we are not going to play with any of our hostile countries," he added.

Saikia added that the BCCI will keep adhering to the government-formulated policies. Additionally, he stated that the BCCI is pleased to adhere to the policy since it considers not just cricket but also other sports. On September 14, they will face their bitter rivals, Pakistan.

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