In the Lok Sabha, Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi has urged the Cricket Control Board of India (BCCI) to ensure that the Indian team does not participate in cricket matches against Pakistan in view of the current bilateral situation. Gogoi said that after the Pahalgam terror attack, there is a tension crossing the border between the two neighboring countries, so playing cricket with Pakistan is ‘against national interest’.
India have to play with Pakistan in a group phase match of Asia Cup in Dubai on 14 September. In a letter to BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia, Gogoi said, “Cricket has always been playing with people, but such events should not be given priority above national interest in the context of the present India and Pakistan relations.” The letter was shared with the press here on Monday (August 25, 2025).
Playing cricket with Pakistan contrary to national interest
He said, “The border tension remains still and we are all aware of the sacrifice of our armed forces.” He said in a letter written on August 23, “Under such circumstances, playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan seems to be contrary to the national interest.”
Assam Congress President Gogoi said that India had sent delegations to various countries to tell the world that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack. He cited the removal of the Indus Water Treaty from India soon after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April, saying, “Even our honorable Prime Minister had said that water and blood cannot flow together.”
Pakistan also refused to play hockey in India
He said, ‘At this time, any kind of connection with Pakistan sends such a message, which weakens the sentiments of the people of India, which is against any kind of agreement with national security. Pakistan refused to play hockey in India citing security concerns.
Jorhat MP Gogoi also said that re -starting cricket relations in current circumstances can reduce the severity of security and diplomacy related to diplomacy. He said in a letter to Saikia, “India’s stance in global forums and bilateral relations should reflect the highest honor towards unity, power and our sovereignty and security.”
Assam CM Himanta Bishw Sharma was also requested
Gogoi urged the BCCI to adopt ‘clear stance’ and escape from cricket related activities with Pakistan until the circumstances are favorable and in the national interest. On August 14, he urged Chief Minister Himanta Bishwa Sharma to celebrate the BCCI to withdraw from Pakistan using his close ties with Saikia.
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