The Pahalgam terrorist attack which ended up claiming the lives of 26 innocent people in Kashmir on April 22, has been condemned worldwide. Twenty six people died as terrorists from a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot opened fire on a group of tourists. This incident has also led to cricket from both countries coming into focus.
For the last decade, India and Pakistan have only faced-off in group stage clashes of ICC tournaments. The last time the two teams played a bilateral series between themselves was in 2012/13. The clash between India and Pakistan attracts a massive crowd in any part of the world and it is one of, if not the biggest rivalry in the game.
However, following the Pahalgam attack, some reports have claimed that the BCCI has written to ICC, so that India and Pakistan aren’t placed in the same group in future ICC tournaments like the World Cup, Champions Trophy and more.
A report in Cricbuzz, however, stated that this is not the case. “A top BCCI office-bearer also told that such a development is news to him. The BCCI authorities are sensitive to the prevailing national mood but as things stand, there is no truth to the speculation,” the report said.
The BCCI has also made its stance clear regarding playing Pakistan on the cricket field. “We are with the victims and we condemn it. 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 event we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening they will to it (sic),” BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told Sports Tak.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also didn’t stay quiet on the topic and expressed his condolences over the attack.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy,” Saikia said.
