Shikhar Dhawan: ‘India Should Not Play in Pakistan Until Terrorism Ends’

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has strongly endorsed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to play in Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dhawan stated that national security is more important than cricket and emphasized that India should not play in Pakistan until terrorism is eradicated.

The BCCI had already decided against sending the Indian team to Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Despite various pressures, India has remained firm in its stance and is even prepared to withdraw from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 rather than travel to Pakistan. As a result, India’s matches in the tournament will be held in Dubai instead.

When asked whether India should play in Pakistan, Dhawan categorically dismissed the idea. “I don’t think we should go against the country’s stance,” he said. He further stressed that governments must first take a unified stand on such issues, and only then will it apply to cricket boards. According to Dhawan, players do not have much to decide in such matters and must abide by the country’s decision.

Dhawan, who has represented India in all three formats, has played 167 ODIs, scoring 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, with 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In 34 Test matches, he has amassed 2,315 runs at an average of 40.6, including 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries. In T20Is, he has played 68 matches, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, with 11 half-centuries.