Sourav Ganguly Reacts To Sachin Tendulkar's Comment On Indo-Pak Clash In World Cup

Whether to play or not play Pakistan in the forthcoming World Cup in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack has divided the Indian cricketing fraternity into two halved. While several cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Sourav Ganguly have backed the general view of boycotting the arch-rivals, there are few like Sachin Tendulkar who want India to play and thrash Pakistan.

In one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces, 44 CRPF personnels lost their lives. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-E-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. In the wake of the attack, there has been a nationwide protest against Pakistan and cricket has not remained far behind. Last week, IMG-Reliance pulled out of its deal to produce television coverage of the ongoing Pakistan Super League worldwide.  Before that, 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.

There were then calls to boycott Pakistan in the World Cup and Ganguly firmly backed it, saying:

“I can also understand the sentiments of people asking India not to play Pakistan in the World Cup and I feel the government should take strong action on this issue. The after effect of this should be strong from India.”

However, Sachin had opined otherwise. Contradicting Sourav Ganguly, the legendary cricketer said that he would personally hate to give Pakistan two points, thus advertising India to go and beat Pakistan in the World Cup.

“India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament. Having said that, for me India always comes first, so whatever my country decides, I will back that decision with all my heart,” Sachin had tweeted.

Sourav Ganguly has now opened up on the difference between him and Tendulkar on the issue. Ganguly, who forged the most decorated opening pair with Tendulkar, said while his former teammate wants two points he wants the World Cup.

“He wants two points against Pakistan, I want the World Cup so…he wants two points I want the World Cup. Whichever way you look at it,” Sourav Ganguly told reporters on Saturday.