India is facing a debate over the call to boycott the World Cup 2019 match against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.
While the Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket Friday decided against taking any stand on the World Cup clash against Pakistan, it also urged the ICC and other nations to “sever ties” with countries from where “terrorism emanates”.
There has been a difference of opinion on whether India should play the June 16 match among the biggest names of Indian cricket. While the call to boycott the World Cup match came from some prominent names in Indian cricket such as senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and former captains Mohammed Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly, legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar had expressed different opinions.
The CoA, running the sport, said it is in talks with the government but would not take a stand just yet after a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match.
In the mail sent to the world body, which is in PTI’s possession, the BCCI said it is concerned about the security of Indian players heading into the World Cup but refrained from making any mention of the Pakistan match.
“BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail (including United Kingdom) have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India,” the letter stated.
“The BCCI trusts that the ICC and ECB will ensure that the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup,” it said.
It is understood that BCCI officials are also concerned that such a stand might cost them the hosting rights of the 2021 Champions Trophy and the 2023 World Cup.
The biggest cricketing icon in India, Sachin Tendulkar said he would “hate” to see India concede two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the upcoming World Cup as such a move would only help the arch-rivals in the mega-event.
Tendulkar said that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16 tie.
“India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament,” said Tendulkar.
However, he added “Having said that, for me India always comes first, so whatever my country decides, I will back that decision with all my heart.”
Former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar stated that India will be at loss if they choose to boycott Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup 2019.
“Who wins if India decides against playing Pakistan in the World Cup? And I am not even talking about the semis and the finals. Who wins? Pakistan wins because they get two points….India has so far beaten Pakistan every time in a World Cup, so we are actually conceding two points when by beating Pakistan, we could make sure that they don’t advance in the competition,” he said.
India’s current crop of players, however, kept silent on the isusse. According to Republic TV, BCCI has forbidden players from speaking on this issue. According to the news channel, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Kuldeep Yadav and Mayank Agarwal confirmed that the BCCI has barred them from expressing their thoughts without permission.
