BCCI rules out boycott of Pakistan matches in future ICC events

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the possibility of boycotting matches against Pakistan in future International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, emphasizing that such fixtures remain a key part of global cricket.

The clarification comes in response to comments by former England captain Mike Atherton, who recently urged the ICC to stop deliberately scheduling India-Pakistan matches in every major event for financial gain.

In his column, Atherton argued that repeatedly placing the two arch-rivals in the same group has turned cricket into a political and commercial spectacle. He called on the ICC to ensure transparent tournament draws, saying serious competitions should not be structured around revenue motives.

Atherton’s remarks followed controversies during the Asia Cup, where Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav allegedly refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Agha Salman at the toss and later declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

Responding to Atherton’s suggestions, a BCCI official told Indian media that such proposals are “impractical.”

“Would sponsors and broadcasters agree to this?” the official questioned, adding that if any major team — including India — were to withdraw from a tournament, it would become extremely difficult to attract sponsorships.

Notably, following India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy, the title remains at the ACC headquarters in Dubai.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi remarked that if the Indian team wishes to claim the trophy, Suryakumar Yadav himself should visit the ACC office to collect it.