BCCI mulls over asking ICC to ban Pakistan from the 2019 World Cup

The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have worsened ever since 40 CRPF Jawans lost their lives in Pulwama terror attack.

India boasts a stellar record against Pakistan in World Cup matches | Getty

The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have worsened ever since 40 personnel from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost their lives in a ghastly terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

Not surprisingly, cultural and sporting ties have taken a hit. And now it is learnt that the BCCI is mulling over sending a letter to the ICC, demanding Pakistan to be barred from the upcoming World Cup in England.

As per a report in CricketNext, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has been asked to draft a letter addressed to the ICC chairman Shashank Manohar on the instructions of Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai.

Report also claims that a decision on whether the letter will be formally sent to the ICC will only be taken after legal clarity is obtained on the matter.

“This issue too may result in yet another flashpoint between Rai and his CoA colleague, former India women’s captain Diana Edulji, who is opposed to sending such a letter,” a source told CricketNext.

“Edulji is not in favour of sending such a letter. The CoA will meet on Friday to decide if they can or should send such a letter,” he added.

“The CoA also needs to get advice from the sports ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and Home Ministry before they can go ahead and take such an extreme step,” the source further informed.

India will have to forfeit two valuable points if they boycott playing Pakistan in the mega event on June 16 at Old Trafford. Notably, all 10 teams at the World Cup will play nine matches each in the group stage and the top four will directly qualify for the semi-final.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 21 Feb, 2019

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