'I Hope it Goes Ahead and I am Sure it Will' - Michael Vaughan on India-Pakistan Match at 2019 World Cup

There is uncertainty looming over India-Pakistan match at the 2019 World Cup after what transpired in the Pulwama attack. On February 14th, a jeep carrying nearly 300 kgs of explosives ran into an Army convoy killing over 42 CRPF personals and injuring dozens. Later, Jaish-eh-Mohammad, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for the game. As a result, the tensions across the border has risen, and thus any ties between both the countries look set to suffer a dent. Amidst all the speculations, Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, is hopeful of the India-Pakistan match at 2019 World Cup to go ahead.

People look out for this match – Vaughan

As far as fixtures are concerned, the India-Pakistan match at an ICC event is something the world looks upto. For their scheduled clash on June 16th in Manchester, more than half a million people applied for the 25,000 tickets on offer; giving an example of how significant the magnitude is of this game. Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan echoed the same saying the finale of the Champions Trophy 2017 was the most watched sporting event in that year.

The veteran England cricketer further stressed that the match between both the countries would go on as per schedule. Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Vaughan said,

‘The Champions Trophy final in 2017 [between India and Pakistan] was the most-watched sporting event that year. That’s the magnitude of the game. ‘I hope it goes ahead and I’m sure it will. Sport has to separate itself and go on. That game will be a spectacle that everyone in Manchester will be looking forward to.’ Vaughan said.

What future holds for India-Pakistan clash?

However, the situation here in India and Pakistan is entirely different. Both the countries have exchanged cross-border firing of late, and there have been a few instances of India-Pakistan violating the LOC as well.

In the past, the Supreme Court appointed the Committee of Administrators (CoA) had instructed the BCCI to write to the ICC over asking other countries to boycott Pakistan in the UK. Meanwhile, the ICC will address the matter, and an outcome on the same should be out anytime soon. As far as the Indian cricketers are concerned, both Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri have shared a common thought – the BCCI will abide by the government’s decision.