CWC 2019: Aakash Chopra says decision on India vs Pakistan match should not be made today

Chopra also added that sports shouldn't be mixed with politics.

India vs Pakistan | GETTY

The terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama has put a question mark on whether India would play Pakistan in World Cup 2019 or not? Few believe India should boycott Pakistan in the tournament, while others think they must use the platform to give a strong message. Mostly former cricketers have refused to comment on the issue. 

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels sports should be kept away from politics. He, however, refused to say it clearly and said the decision isn't needed to be taken today, at this heat of the moment.

"It's a question whether India should be playing against Pakistan in the World Cup or not. Do we need to answer it now? The wounds of the attack are very fresh. What has happened in Pulwama has hurt all of us. We are all pained and saddened. We will always make decisions based on emotions. But do we need to make that decision right now? I don't think we are obliged to make that decision today," Chopra told India Today on Wednesday.

He further added, "All progressed nations in the world don't mix politics with sport. They don't use sports as a vehicle to push their political agenda. I firmly believe India is a first-world country and not a third-world country. We are not a regressive nation in any way. We are a proud nation that actually is mature enough to distinguish between the two (sport and politics).

"We are already not playing bilateral cricket with them. You want to be the world champions. You want to be the best. What will be the worth of that World Cup trophy if you haven't beaten Pakistan along the way?"

"Earlier, it was only cricket that was used as a vehicle to push some agenda. But right now the sentiment is fairly strong. If somebody is going to tell me, India is going to sit silent and do nothing about the attack for the next three months, then India will fail as a country. I don't think that's going to happen. A proper response will be given to Pakistan for what they have orchestrated in Indian land.

"So I think, three and half months down the line, India will be in a position to play cricket with Pakistan and beat them in the game of cricket. We are a better nation and a developed nation. India should be playing (the World Cup tie)."

Chopra also said BCCI doesn't think about money as they are already the richest cricket board.

"It's not about the money. Why should it be about money? By canceling the bilateral series, we are hurting the monetary gains that the PCB can actually get. So you're hurting them where it hurts the most. India is not thinking about the sanction, even if it's a sanction.

"The BCCI will not be even batting an eyelid when it comes to losing money over not playing Pakistan. India cricket's coffers are filled with hard-earned money. So they won't be thinking in terms of money."

(With India Today Inputs)

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 21 Feb, 2019

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