The recent Pahalgam terrorist assault between India and Pakistan intensified tensions forcing IPL President Arun Dhumal to uphold national interest above cricket relations. In an exclusive interview with India today , Dhumal emphasised that the Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI) will align his decisions with the position of the Indian government on all matters regarding Pakistan. The BCCI makes its remarks about Pakistan cricket relations at a time when many people including Sunil Gavaskar and Gautam Gambhir loudly advocate for complete cricket separation from Pakistan. BCCI shows willingness to keep playing Pakistan in ICC and A Status quo tournaments since India stopped playing bilateral series against Pakistan during 2012-13.
Arun Dhumal Statement Regarding The Cricketing Relations
“Certainly, there can be no other thinking in this. Whatever is in the interest of our country, whatever decision the government takes, BCCI stands with it in solidarity. Whatever instructions are given, they will be followed because nothing is more important than the country. India First — BCCI works with this motto and whenever such a decision comes where we have to choose, we will put the country’s interest first,” Dhumal said.
While tensions brew on the political front, the IPL continues to roll on, but Dhumal was candid about the league’s preparedness in case of unforeseen escalations. Asked about the IPL’s contingency measures, he said, “The IPL Governing Council is keeping an eye. There are a lot of speculative things going on; we cannot do anything about that. But whenever the time comes to take such a decision where it seems that something needs to be done for the country’s interest, then BCCI will stand in solidarity with the government and the country.”
India-Pakistan Situation
On Tuesday Indian forces began Operation Sindoor to hold Pakistan accountable after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Defense Ministry confirmed military forces moved into terrorist command centers across Pakistan while targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir to stop attacks against India. The ministry verified nine locations had received orders through “Operation Sindoor.” Not a single military base property from Pakistan suffered damage during those attacks. The Indian military placed strict boundaries on goals and operational actions during execution based on the Indian statement.
