Reports: ICC can impose ban on BCCI if they boycott Pakistan in World Cup

At a time when the BCCI is seriously considering on the prospect of boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup in a mark of protest after the Pulwama attack, some Government sources have delivered words of advise for them. The sources feel that BCCI should not take any decision in a hurry or could land in deep trouble and face dire consequences. The calls to boycott Pakistan is gathering steam with not only the general public but several top names joining the chorus too.

On Thursday, the matter took a new turn. According to a report in The Times of India, CoA has drafted a letter addressed to ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, requesting the governing body to ban Pakistan from participating in the 2019 World Cup or India may consider withdrawing themselves from the tournament. The final call on the matter is likely to be taken inside this week.

But amidst all this, some government sources have advised the BCCI to take their final call patiently. The sources revealed that the decision to forfeit the game could cost BCCI dear as the board may face a ban from the ICC.

“We should not get isolated in order to isolate Pakistan,” the sources told NDTV. “By not playing against Pakistan, we will be giving them a walk-over.”

“Punitive action can be taken against us. ICC can even impose ban on BCCI. There is still lot of time. We should not react in hurry,” they further added. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on June 16 in the World Cup group match in Manchester.

Huge demand for Indo-Pak clash

Meanwhile, despite the question mark over the marquee clash in the showpiece event, there has no dearth in its popularity. Earlier this week, World Cup tournament director Steve Elworthy revealed that demand for tickets for the game is at an all-time high. He revealed that the demand is way more than Australia vs England game or even the final at the Lord’s.

“That particular game (India vs Pakistan), we had over 400,000 applications for tickets, which is an incredible number. The stadium (Old Trafford) only holds 25,000 people. So there are a number of disappointed people. That’s just locally, but (there is also) the audience globally,” Elworthy was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The World Cup will get underway on May 30 with hosts England locking horns against South Africa in the opener.

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