Uncertainty within BCCI over letter to ask for Pakistan's removal from 2019 World Cup

Ajit Vijaykumar 17:31 21/02/2019
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  • India and Pakistan are set to play in Manchester at the World Cup.

    Conflicting reports from India have emerged regarding a proposed plan to ask the ICC to bar Pakistan from participating in the 2019 World Cup.

    A deadly suicide bomb attack in the state of Jammu & Kashmir has escalated political tensions between the countries. Bilateral relations between the countries have screeched to a halt and there are demands from certain sections within India to end all sporting ties as well.

    India and Pakistan are to face each other on June 16 in Manchester in what is expected to be the biggest match in the World Cup in terms of viewership and sponsorship. But now there is a question mark next to that game with some reports suggesting the Indian cricket board might end up asking the world body to bar Pakistan from the showpiece event.

    The Times of India reported that the Committee of Administrators running the Indian board has asked BCCI CEO Rahul Johri to draft letter addressed to ICC chairman Shashank Manohar demanding Pakistan’s removal.

    However, the Press Trust of India reported that not only will such a move fail, it can also jeopardise India’s hosting rights for future ICC events.

    “There is absolutely no way this could happen. The ICC constitution allows members the right to participate in ICC events as long as they’ve qualified,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by the agency.

    “In case India writes to ICC for Pakistan’s removal, then the BCCI have to build a consensus first to move a resolution at its Annual Board Meeting in April. India no longer enjoys a majority in the ICC right now. If this goes for a floor test, we are certain to lose,” the official said. “Not only that, serious doubts will emerge on our chances to host 2021 Champions Trophy and 2023 World Cup.”

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