The entire nation is standing together denouncing Pakistan for the horrific attack on CRPF convoy at Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Since then, the country is urging BCCI and Team India to forfeit their World Cup clash against Pakistan. India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash at Old Trafford on June 16. A debate has kicked off among the senior cricketers as to why India should not play Pakistan even as a few feel that it won’t be a solution for the crisis.
Former captain Sourav Ganguly called for severing all sporting ties with Pakistan. Ganguly echoed sentiments of his one-time teammate Harbhajan Singh, saying that not playing Pakistan in one group league tie in the upcoming World Cup will not affect India’s chances. “This is a 10-team World Cup and each team plays matches against every other team and I feel if India doesn’t play a match in the World Cup, it won’t be an issue,” Ganguly told India TV.
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“And, whatever reactions came from the people of India…was right. There is no chance of a bilateral series with Pakistan after this incident. I agree that after this attack, India should not only stop playing cricket, hockey or football with Pakistan but should cut all ties with them,” Ganguly further added.
Mohammad Azharuddin also backed Harbhajan’s claim that World Cup isn’t bigger than country. However, former cricketer Akash Chopra advocated delaying the decision on India-Pakistan World Cup clash as emotions are currently running high. Speaking to India Today, Chopra pointed out that progressed nations don’t use sport to their political agenda and India should avoid doing the same.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, taking to Aaj Tak, had said, “India should not play Pakistan in the World Cup. India are powerful enough to win the World Cup without having to play Pakistan. This is a difficult time. The attack that has happened, it was unbelievable and it’s very wrong. Strict action will surely be taken by the government. When it comes to cricket, I don’t think we should have any relations with them otherwise they will keep treating us like this.”