India vs Pakistan World Cup Group Matches May Be Halted Following Pahalgam Attack

The terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam Kashmir recently has left the entire nation shaken and has also influenced the world of sports. On April 22, terrorists ambushed innocent tourists in the serene meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam. Twenty six individuals lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. The attack has been universally condemned by the world and there has been serious debate in the cricketing community too particularly regarding India vs Pakistan encounters in ICC tournaments.

India and Pakistan have not contested a standard bilateral series in years now. The previous one was way back in 2012 and since then the two teams have only met each other in ICC events and other big events such as the Asia Cup. Such games always gain tremendous attention from the fans all across the globe. But now there are reports indicating that this could change. Following the Pahalgam attack, some media channels alleged that the [BCCI] could have requested the [ICC] to avoid scheduling India and Pakistan in the same group in international tournaments such as the [World Cup] or [Champions Trophy].

One such update was provided by Cricbuzz which reported that there is no word on this from [BCCI] officials. A BCCI senior office bearer said that they had not received any word about it. The official further added that although the board respects the prevailing sentiments in the nation the reports of India and Pakistan being separated in group stages are false at present.

The [BCCI] always went along with the Indian government's lead on playing against Pakistan. The board clarified once again that it won't make any independent choice and will simply act as per the orders handed down by the Indian government. Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the BCCI, stated that they're with the victims and the nation at this difficult moment. He categorically told that India does not bilaterally play cricket with Pakistan and won't in the future as well. But he further stated that India plays Pakistan in ICC tournaments only because they have already made commitments with the ICC.

Devajit Saikia the BCCI secretary too conveyed deep sadness and grief following the attack. He condemned the brutality and wished for the bereaved families of the victims. He stated that the whole cricket fraternity is left shocked and pained by the senseless loss of lives. The BCCI gave its fullest support to the victims and empathized with the nation in this trying moment.

According to the cricket schedule there is no big ICC men's tournament this year. The [Women's World Cup] will be held in India in September and October. Pakistan has already earned a spot for this tournament but they will be hosting their games at a neutral venue which was decided earlier. The [Asia Cup] shall also be organized prior to the Women's World Cup and even though India shall be the hosting country that tournament also shall take place at a neutral location.

The sentiment in the nation is high following the Pahalgam attack and the debate over whether India and Pakistan must meet on the cricket pitch has been raised again. These matches have always been imbued with added emotions and pressure and now the political and social scenario is giving it an added layer of complexity. While there is no word officially regarding a change in the group stage structure in ICC events the subject is being discussed with seriousness.

For the present, there is no ultimate call for splitting India and Pakistan from the ICC competitions. But the [BCCI] has spelt out its stand. It will abide by what the Indian government does. The cricket-loving fans and the entire country are grieving the killing of innocent souls at Pahalgam and the cricket board has demonstrated that it is in favor of the Indian people.

In the months ahead more clarity could emerge from both the BCCI and the ICC. Until then any India-Pakistan matches in the group stages of international competitions are in doubt. One thing is certain though and that is the nation is one in mourning and sympathy for the victims of the attack and the BCCI has rekindled that oneness on behalf of the cricket fraternity.