Breaking: BCCI Confirms Fate Of India-Pakistan Game At The World Cup

The BCCI, on Monday (April 1), has confirmed Team India would boycott Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup as a mark of protest after the Pulwama attack. There were widespread calls to boycott Pakistan in the competition in the wake of the attack that claimed the lives of 44 CRPF personnels. The attack, which took place on February 14, was carried out by Pakistan-based militancy group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The BCCI had already made a formal request to the ICC to ask its members to “sever ties with nations” that harbour terrorists. Before that,  IMG-Reliance had pulled out of its deal to produce television coverage of the Pakistan Super League worldwide.  while DSport, which was broadcasting the game in India, had also stopped the coverage. In other show of protests, several cricketing bodies had removed the pictures of Pakistani players from their premises.

India and Pakistan were scheduled to lock horns in the marquee clash on June 16 in Manchester. At one stage, it looked like the Men in Blue would be allowed to play the game but the BCCI has now decided to take the huge step.

“We have taken the decision after a thorough discussion with the government. The country always comes first and these situations, playing against Pakistan will be an insult to the sentiments of our countrymen,” said Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai.

On the danger of losing two points due to the boycott and the possibility of meeting Pakistan at the latter stages of the tournament, Rai said:

“We have considered all the situations and have come to the conclusion that not playing against Pakistan is the best step for the nation. We had already asked the ICC to take the step against the country which harbours terrorism but unfortunately they did not want to be involved in this. So, we have decided to take our own step. We know that the team can face big repercussions but as I said the country always comes first.”

Well, India will now lose two points anyway in the competition. Virat Kohli & Co. will be desperately hoping that the reigning Champions Trophy holders do not progress ahead of the group stage. The World Cup will get underway on May 30. India, on the other hand, will start their campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

*Happy April Fool’s day everyone. We hope you will take this article in a sporting way.