BCCI to urge ICC to keep India and Pakistan in separate groups for future events

After the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 Indians lost their lives, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to instruct the International Cricket Council (ICC) to not place India and Pakistan in the same group in future ICC tournaments.

Notably, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 and play only ICC events against each other. However, now, according to the reports, India has urged the ICC to not put both nations in the same group for future tournaments.

Recently India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and played all their matches, including the semifinal and final, in Dubai. Now the next ICC event, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, will happen in India.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reinforced that India will not play any bilateral series against Pakistan. He said, “We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware that whatever is happening, they will do it.”

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also expressed his condolences over the attack. He said, “We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware that whatever is happening, they will do it.”

“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 the 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.”