The International Cricket Council (ICC) will clear India’s “doubts” about security at the upcoming World Cup, but is unlikely to even discuss a possible boycott of Pakistan when its Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meets in Dubai on Wednesday, 27 February.
Calls for a boycott of India’s ICC World Cup 2019 clash with Pakistan, scheduled to held in Manchester on 16 June, have been mounting in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February, which martyred 40 CRPF personnel.
The Committee of Administrators running Indian cricket has even written a letter to the ICC urging it to boycott countries from where “terrorism emanates”, without specifically naming Pakistan.
The ICC’s quarterly meeting gets underway in Dubai with the CEC meet, where BCCI CEO Rahul Johri’s letter is expected to be tabled. The BCCI, in its letter, had expressed its concern about the safety of players and officials during the World Cup, which starts in England on 30 May.
“The ICC will provide all the details of the security arrangements made for the World Cup. It will be same for all the participating nations and England and Wales Cricket Board have always provided top notch arrangements. But since there has been an apprehension, the doubts will be cleared”Senior BCCI Official to PTI
It is learnt, however, that the ICC is unlikely to even discuss the possibility of boycotting Pakistan, as it is not a “feasible option”.
“The ICC is in no position to ask any cricket board to sever ties with another member nation. It doesn’t have right to do so. This is a diplomatic issue which is dealt with at the government level.”Senior BCCI Official to PTI
“A member board can always discuss the issue if they want, but one can rest assured that nothing will happen,” said the official, who has been part of many ICC meetings.
Opinion has been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and 2011 World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh wanting the 16 June match to be called off.
On the other hand, two of the biggest names in Indian cricket – Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar – want India to beat Pakistan, as a walkover would mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals.
Captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shasti have maintained that they will “abide by whatever decision the government takes”.
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