Boycott calls ahead of IND vs PAK: BCCI’s Devajit Saikia stands firm, calls India’s victory a ‘befitting reply’

Divy Dubey

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Boycott calls ahead of IND vs PAK: BCCI’s Devajit Saikia stands firm, calls India’s victory a ‘befitting reply’ image

The build-up to India's Asia Cup clash with Pakistan has been dominated by debate and controversy off the field. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a section of fans voiced strong opposition to the BCCI for going ahead with the fixture.

Yet, despite the backlash, the board has reiterated that its decision to play Pakistan is guided by government policy, not independent choice. Against this backdrop, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has underlined that the players' performance on the field will serve as the strongest response.

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BCCI’s Devajit Saikia backs India to deliver befitting reply in Asia Cup 2025 clash vs Pakistan

Speaking to India Today, Saikia extended his best wishes to the Indian team and said a win against Pakistan would act as a "befitting reply" to those working against the country's interests.

He acknowledged the strained political ties between the two nations but stressed that India's participation in multinational tournaments is in line with the government's sporting directives.

"For tomorrow's game BCCI wishes all the best to Indian cricket team. They will do their best to win the match so that it can be a befitting reply," Saikia said, while clarifying that the board cannot unilaterally refuse participation in such events.

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BCCI stresses alignment with government policy in Asia Cup

Saikia further explained that refusing to play in multinational tournaments would go against the spirit of the game and potentially harm India's athletes across sports.

"We fully honour the spirit of the game and participate in any international or multinational tournament so that nothing takes place against the interests of our players," he said.

More: 'Wasim Akram would hate it' - Sanjay Manjrekar on India batters facing spin-heavy Pakistan bowling in Asia Cup clash

India vs Pakistan could meet up to three times in Asia Cup 2025

India and Pakistan meet first in the group stage on September 14 in Dubai with possible rematches lined up in the Super Four on September 21 and again in the final. Tickets for Sunday's match remain available - a rare sight for such a match.

India's on-field performance now carries more weight than usual - serving both as a sporting challenge and as a symbolic response to the backdrop of criticism.

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