Former Indian cricketer and UP Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan has cautioned the Indian Government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India from making rash decision of boycotting their 2019 World Cup match against Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the Pulwama attacks in which a suicide bomber from a Pakistan based terror outfit caused an explosion, ramming his SUV filled with explosives into a bus carrying CRPF soldiers, causing 40 jawans to lose their lives, there have been calls from all over the country and from many Indian players that India should refrain from playing Pakistan in their 16th June 2019 ICC World Cup match at the Old Trafford ground.
Players like Harbhajan Singh and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad have called for India to not play Pakistan. However, Chauhan said that India might have to pay a big price for doing so as the ICC rules do not permit India to withdraw or boycott their game against Pakistan without (a) forfeiting points and (b) inviting sanctions.
"Not participating in global tournaments is not easy as every tournament has its rules and many participating nations. If we pull out, we may have to face consequences, could be fined or banned, I think Government and BCCI will consider this," Chauhan told ANI.
As for official stance regarding the matter, news trickling in from the BCCI is likely to pass on the responsibility of taking a final call onto the Indian Government.
India and Pakistan haven't played bilateral cricket since the latter's visit in 2012-13 for a three-match ODI series. Both the teams though have been meeting in international tournaments organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
(with ANI inputs)
