New Delhi: The BCCI Committee of Administrators (CoA) decided Friday against taking any stand on the World Cup India-Pakistan clash but urged the ICC and other nations to ‘sever ties’ with countries from where ‘terrorism emanates’.
There has been a call to boycott the June 16 World Cup face-off against Pakistan at Old Trafford in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.
In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any stand for now.
“16th of June is very far away. We will take a call on that much later and in consultation with the government,” CoA chief Vinod Rai said after the meeting.
Asked if players have been consulted on the issue, Rai replied in the negative. He however, added that the BCCI has written to the ICC regarding the terrorist attack.
“In an email to the ICC, we have expressed our concerns about the terrorist attack that has taken place. We are telling them that security of players and match officials should be appropriately taken care of,” Rai informed.
“And number two, we must sever ties with nations from which such terrorism emanates. We will express our concern on an appropriate forum,” the head of the CoA panel stated indicating that the matter will be raised at the ICC quarterly board meeting in Dubai beginning February 26.
In the mail sent to the world body, which is in the possession of this agency, the body said it is concerned about the security of Indian players heading into the World Cup.
“BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail (including United Kingdom) have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India,” the letter stated.
“The BCCI trusts that the ICC and ECB will ensure that the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup,” it said.
Rai refused comment on Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s reported statement that India should boycott the game against Pakistan.
“I will not make any comments on that issue. Whatever we consult with the government, we will do it at a later stage,” Rai informed.
“Please understand we still have three months time. We will abide by what government says. We can’t comment on hypothetical situations as we haven’t arrived at a decision,” the former CAG added.
It was a foregone conclusion that CoA would not take any decision on the matter as the ICC can’t ban Pakistan as per rules.
“We can never win a floor test if we try and pass a resolution to ban Pakistan from the World Cup. We currently don’t have majority in ICC. In fact, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, in his individual capacity, has more votes than BCCI at the present moment,” a senior BCCI official said Friday.
It is understood that BCCI officials are also concerned that such a stand might cost them the hosting rights of the 2021 Champions Trophy and the 2023 World Cup.
PTI