New Delhi – Congress⁣ Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, ⁤has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in‌ India (BCCI) to prevent the Indian team from participating in‌ cricket⁤ matches ⁢against Pakistan, citing ongoing cross-border tensions and national security concerns.The appeal comes ahead of a‍ scheduled Asia Cup ​group stage match between⁣ the two ‌nations in Dubai on September 14th.

In a letter to BCCI secretary ⁢Devajit Saikia, shared with the press in Guwahati on Monday, Gogoi argued that prioritizing sporting engagements⁤ over ‍national interest would be inappropriate given the ‍current bilateral relationship.He emphasized⁣ the sacrifices made⁢ by Indian ⁢armed forces and the persistent‍ cross-border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
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While cricket has always been a sport that ⁣brings joy ‍among people,⁤ in the context of current⁤ India and Pakistan relations, such ⁣engagements should not ⁢be prioritised over national interest.

Gogoi highlighted India’s diplomatic efforts to raise awareness internationally regarding‌ Pakistan’s alleged ‌involvement in the Pahalgam ​attack. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that “water and blood cannot flow ⁣together,” ​made in the wake of India’s decision to review the Indus Waters Treaty.
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“Engaging with⁣ Pakistan at‌ this stage sends out a message that undermines the sentiments of the people⁤ of ​India who stand firmly against ‍any compromise⁢ on national security,” Gogoi asserted. He further ​pointed to Pakistan’s own ‍withdrawal from a⁤ hockey match in India, citing security​ concerns, as evidence of the⁣ complex‌ security landscape.
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⁤ ⁢ The Jorhat MP argued⁤ that resuming cricket ties under ‍the current circumstances could diminish the seriousness ​of national security and ‍diplomatic concerns. He stressed the importance of ‌a unified and strong stance in both global forums and bilateral relations, prioritizing India’s sovereignty and security.

Gogoi urged the BCCI to adopt a “clear ⁤stand” and postpone cricketing ⁤engagements with⁤ Pakistan until conditions ⁤improve and are conducive to‌ the nation’s ​interests. He previously‌ appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 14th to leverage his relationship with ⁣Saikia to‍ persuade the BCCI to reconsider the ⁢match.

‍ The controversy underscores the delicate balance between sports and politics, particularly in the context of⁤ the‌ long-standing and often fraught relationship between India and‍ Pakistan. The BCCI has ⁤yet to respond to Gogoi’s appeal.