ICC assures BCCI of taking all measures to address security concerns at the World Cup

While the tension between India and Pakistan escalated with the Indian Air Force conducting a strike on terror camps across the LoC, effects were also seen in cricket. On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) assured the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it ‘will do’ everything that addresses India’s security concerns during the upcoming World Cup in May-July following the Pulwama terror attack of February 14.

India have been vocal against the arch-rivals since over 40 of its CRPF jawans were martyred in a suicide terror attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Cricketers – both former and current – remained divided over boycotting the June 16 clash with Pakistan at the WC. There have also been calls to put pressure on the ICC to boot Pakistan out of the tournament though a certain section felt that it would not be feasible eventually.

The BCCI wrote a letter to the ICC stating its concern over the security of the Indian players, officials as well as the fans. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri spoke on the same issue again during a recent ICC Chief Executives Committee meeting and it was then when the international governing body of the game came up with its assurance.

“On behalf of the BCCI, Rahul Johri raised concerns for the safety and security of the Indian team, match officials and the Indian Fans, at the CEC Meeting,” The Times of India (TOI) cited reports as quoting a senior BCCI official.

The official said that ICC CEO David Richardson, a former South Africa cricketer, assured the BCCI that the ICC will ensure that all efforts are being taken to address the concerns raised.

ICC was forced to take up the matter at BCCI’s insistence

The decision on the security was not part of the original agenda but the ICC was compelled to take it up at the Indian board’s insistence. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior cricketer Harbhajan Singh spoke in favour of boycotting the WC game with Pakistan though other former cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar differed.

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