BCCI to wait for govt. approval for World Cup match against Pakistan

“ICC has nothing to do with it. If the government at that point in time feels we shouldn't play, it's obvious that we won't play,” said a BCCI source.

BCCI is in no hurry to take a decision on whether to play Pakistan in the upcoming ODI World Cup or not despite ICC making it clear that the tournament would go on as per schedule. Taking a direct jibe at ICC, a BCCI source said on Wednesday that cricket’s parent body had no role in it and the final decision will only be taken after Indian government gives a nod.

“ICC has nothing to do with it. If the government at that point in time feels we shouldn't play, it's obvious that we won't play,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“Situation will get clearer after some time, a little closer to the World Cup,” the source added.

However, when asked about the matter, ICC CEO Dave Richardson had made it clear that there was no such indication from either BCCI or ICC that the match will be cancelled.

“There is no indication that any (of the) matches at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will not go ahead as planned,” Richardson had said on Tuesday.

“Sport, in particular, cricket, has the wonderful ability to bring people together and unite communities and we will work with our Members on that basis,” he added.

Doubts over the India-Pakistan World Cup encounter on June 16 at Manchester crept up after a couple of former BCCI officials spoke about boycotting Pakistan in World Cup in the wake of the Pulwama attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed 44 Indian soldiers.

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh came out in public urging the BCCI not to play Pakistan in the World Cup.

“Harbhajan had shared his point of view but he didn't clarify what happens if we are again pitted against them in the semi-final or suppose final. Does that mean that we will be forfeiting World Cup semi-final or final? So we are all talking about hypothetical situations,” a senior BCCI official said.

“For the record, India played Pakistan in a World Cup game in England in 1999 edition when Kargil War was at its peak,” the official added.

If India indeed decide to boycott the match then full points will be awarded to Pakistan.