After Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 Indian jawans recently, there are loud voices being heard asking India to avoid playing the 16 June World Cup encounter against Pakistan in Manchester. There are even a few sportspersons who want India to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates, in particular Pakistan. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has already written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard.
If India doesn’t play a match in the World Cup, it won’t be an issue. It will be really difficult for ICC to go on with a World Cup without India. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly had earlier called for total abolishing of all India-Pakistan sporting ties. What has added fuel to the fire is former Pakistan captain Javid Miandad’s comments. He said, “Pakistan has always offered India a peaceful resolution of the issues but Indians have always responded in the negative.”
The ICC meeting is scheduled to be held soon and, hopefully, this matter will be discussed. Meanwhile, the BCCI should arrive at a decision after consulting the Government of India. Former great of the game, Sachin Tendulkar had said India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. “I personally hate to give two points and help them in the tournament.” The onus is on BCCI to arrive at a decision. Wait and watch what the Centre has to say.