ICC chairman Shashank Manohar turns down BCCI’s proposal to boycott Pakistan

BCCI’s Boycott Pakistan falls on deaf ears at ICC meeting as ICC chairman Shashank Manohar turns down proposal. ICC stressed that it was not the right forum to take up such matters. BCCI had earlier proposed that member countries should sever ties with other members that harbour terrorism.

The proposal was sent to the ICC after the terror attack in Pulwama. Pakistan based terror group Jaish E Mohammad had claimed responsibility of the attack. Since the attack both countries have breached the Line of Control (LOC) and launched attacks. Pakistan have also downed an Indian Jet, capturing a pilot who was released as a peace gesture.

As per ESPNcricinfo, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar brought up the matter towards the end of the board meeting and dismissed it by saying it would not be possible to follow the proposal as ICC’s only looks at Cricket.

However, interestingly BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhury, who was in attendance did not bring the matter to attention. It was brought up by the ICC chairman, and the matter ended there.

The letter was sent on February 22^nd by Rahul Johri, the BCCI CEO. The letter was sent on behalf of three member Committee of Administrators (CoA), the supervisory authority of the BCCI till fresh elections are conducted. CoA chairman Vinod Rai had called for a complete ban on Pakistan from the upcoming World Cup.

PCB, had already aired annoyance over the letter but they did not raise the issue at the meeting either. Ehsan Mani, who was in attendance did however did write a letter to Manohar highlighting the potential issue of visas for Pakistani cricketers for the World T20 in 2021 and 50 over World Cup of 2023. Indian shooting federation faced censure from their international body for not issuing visa to Pakistani officials and no Olympic event will be held in until government provides written assures.

In response the ICC chairman assured the PCB chairman that it was the obligation of the host to secure visas for all visiting teams and these issues are handled 12 months in advance.

Fans and cricketers had raised concerns about India boycotting the World Cup game against Pakistan. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar were criticized for stating the need of playing the game.