In the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack last month, there has been plenty of statement doing rounds regarding the World Cup 2019 match between India and Pakistan.
Several members from the Indian cricket fraternity have already urged the BCCI to boycott the World Cup group-stage match against Pakistan, scheduled to be held on June 16 at Old Trafford after Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the ghastly attack on the Indian paramilitary forces.
Amidst tense circumstances, former opener Gautam Gambhir has said that India should be prepared to even ‘forfeit’ the World Cup final against Pakistan if both countries qualify for the summit clash.
“This (playing Pakistan in World Cup) is what BCCI needs to decide and I have always maintained there can’t be conditional bans,” Gambhir quoted as saying by CricketNext. “Either you don’t play them anywhere or open doors for them. What happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable. I am sure it’s going to be difficult to boycott Pakistan in World Cup but they are not playing them in bilaterals. The best they can do is to stop playing in Asia Cup as well, that’s what I believe.”
The dastardly attack on February 14 saw 40 CRPF jawans being martyred. Following the attack, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket had urged the ICC and other nations to isolate Pakistan like the way South Africa was ostracised by the world for Apartheid.
“England had decided not to travel to Zimbabwe in 2003 World Cup and gave those two points away,” Gambhir said. “So, if BCCI decides that India should not play Pakistan they should be mentally ready and country should be too. It can’t be conditional ban, there could be repercussions as well. No media should blame India for not qualifying to the semifinals. The entire media and country should back the team as well.”
When asked about his decision choice if he was an active player, the37-year-old said: “There is nothing wrong in forfeiting the game and losing two points. The lives of 40-41 (44) soldiers who lost their lives are far more important. My point is if India decides to forfeit then the entire country should back the team even if India have to play Pakistan in the World Cup final, even if you have to let go of that final they should be ready for it.”
India’s stand against Pakistan has already cost them a couple of quota berths in the recently held Shooting World Cup and the World Wrestling body has also taken away the Asian junior wrestling meet from the country. Commenting on the same, Gambhir said such things shouldn’t reduce India’s will to stay firm on their stand.
“All of us need to decide if sports is more important or lives are more important,” the former India opener said. “If India have to face backlash of international sporting federations, I am all for it. But there should not be conditional bans, I have maintained this. Country is far more important than Bollywood, sports, art or culture if we have to face that backlash, they should be absolutely ready to do that.”
