'A win will be a befitting reply to all the incidents which we don't want to remember for long' - BCCI secretary on Pakistan clash controversy

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary Devajit Saikia has conveyed his best wishes to the Indian team ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He also mentioned that a victory on Sunday will be a befitting reply to all the malevolent forces working against the nation.

In the lead-up to the clash, there has been resentment among the Indian fans against the BCCI, as they do not want to see the Men in Blue engaging in sporting ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Saikia, however, clarified the BCCI’s stance, saying that they’re playing against the age-old rivals as per the new sporting policy of the Indian government.

“For tomorrow's game BCCI wishes all the best to Indian cricket team. They will do their best to win the match so that so that it can be a befitting reply to all the incidents which we don't want to remember for long. India, although have to play with a country with which we don't have good relationship. But still we have to play multinational tournament as per the policy of the government of India,” Saikia told India Today.

Meanwhile, Saikia also clarified that the board has ensured that its actions don’t go against the interests of the players.

“Therefore, we cannot refuse to play a multinational tournament which will be against the spirit of the game. We fully honor the spirit of the game and participate in any international or multinational tournament so that nothing takes place against the interests of our players and about our various sports disciplines,” he added.

Suryakumar Yadav-led India are coming into the clash on the back of a comprehensive nine-wicket win against the UAE. On the other hand, Pakistan started their Asia Cup campaign with a 93-run victory against Oman. Both matches were played in Dubai.