Pakistan can't be blocked from World Cup 2019: BCCI official

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not prepared any note seeking a World Cup ban on Pakistan

By Web Desk
February 21, 2019

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that there is no way of seeking a ban on Pakistan from the Cricket World Cup, which begins in the UK in May 2019.

The BCCI and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) have not prepared any note seeking a ban on Pakistan at the upcoming World Cup and even if such a move is made, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is bound to reject it, a BCCI official said.

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The talk of India boycotting their World Cup match with Pakistan and about a ban on Pakistan cropped up after the terrorist attack in Pulwama that claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

The attack has escalated diplomatic tension between India and Pakistan, the reverberations of which are also being felt in the sporting arena.

Already, Pakistani shooters couldn't make the World Cup in Delhi, starting on Saturday, after not getting visas.

There is a demand for India to boycott its June 16 World Cup clash against the neighbours and the matter is likely to come up on the sidelines of the ICC meetings between February 27 to March 2 in Dubai.

A top BCCI source said even if a note is sent and the ICC agrees to put it out in front of member boards for a vote, India is unlikely to find any support from other nations.

"In case India writes to ICC for Pakistan's removal, then we have to build consensus first to move a resolution at it’s Annual Board Meeting in April. We no longer enjoy majority in the ICC board right now. If this goes for floor Test we are certain to lose," he said.

India, which has expressed a strong interest in hosting the 2032 Olympics and 2030 Asian Games, could face International Olympic Committee (IOC) action if Pakistan is blocked from taking part.

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