Congress has written to BCCI over the Asia Cup match against Pakistan on September 14. In a letter to Board Secretary Devajit Saikia, MP Gaurav Gogoi has said that in the current situation, playing cricket with Pakistan is against national interest...

Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in 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 playing cricket with Pakistan is "against national interest" as cross-border tension continues between the two neighbouring countries after the Pahalgam terror attack.

India is scheduled to play against Pakistan in a group stage match of the Asia Cup in Dubai on September 14.

In a letter to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, Gogoi said, "Cricket has always been a game that brings happiness to people, but in the context of current India-Pakistan relations, such events should not be given priority over national interest." The letter was shared with the press here on Monday.

"The tension across the border still persists and we are all aware of the sacrifices of our armed forces," he said.

"Under such circumstances, playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan appears to be against national interest," he said in the letter dated August 23.

Gogoi, who is also the Assam Congress president, said India had sent delegations to various countries to tell the world that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack.

"Even our honourable Prime Minister had said that water and blood cannot flow together," he said, referring to India's withdrawal from the Indus Water Treaty soon after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April.

"Any engagement with Pakistan at this time sends a message that undermines the sentiments of the people of India, who are against any compromise on national security," he said.

Gogoi, who is an MP from Jorhat, also said Pakistan had refused to play hockey in India citing security concerns. He said, "Resuming cricketing ties under the current circumstances may undermine the seriousness of national concerns related to security and diplomacy."

"India's stance in global forums and bilateral relations should reflect unity, strength and the highest respect for our sovereignty and security," he said in a letter to Saikia, who is also the Advocate General of Assam.

Gogoi urged the BCCI to take a "clear stand" and refrain from cricketing activities with Pakistan until the conditions are conducive and in the national interest.

On August 14, he had urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to use his close ties with Saikia to persuade the BCCI to withdraw from the tie with Pakistan.