Sever ties with all countries supporting terror: CoA

In a fallout of the Pulwama terrorist attack, the Committee of Administrators (CoA), running the BCCI, has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to sever ties with countries from where terror emanates, while deciding not to take a stand on India's World Cup match against Pakistan.

The calls for boycotting the June 16 match against Pakistan are gaining pitch in the country, but CoA chief Vinod Rai said they would take a final decision after consultations with the government.

“June 16 is very far away. We will take a call on that much later in consultation with the government. Whatever concerns we have regarding Pakistan, we will put it before the ICC,” Rai said.

Rai refused to comment on demands that India boycott the game against Pakistan. "I will not make any comments on that issue. Whatever we consult with the government, we will do it at a later stage."

"Please understand we still have three months' time. We will abide by what the government says. We can't comment on hypothetical situations as we haven't arrived at a decision," he said.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the ICC, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri urged the governing body and the England Cricket Board to ensure “robust security” to players during the World Cup, scheduled from May 30 to July 14.

“This communication is being addressed to voice the BCCI’s concerns and sentiments that have emerged after the recent dastardly terrorist attack which was carried out on Indian soil by a terror outfit based out of Pakistan... In view of the aforesaid terrorist attack, the BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019,” Johri wrote.

“Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail (including the United Kingdom) have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India. The BCCI urges the cricketing community to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates.

“The BCCI also wishes to express its concerns over the safety and security of fans of Indian cricket at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The BCCI trusts that the ICC and ECB will ensure that the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup.”