MUMBAI: The growing problems between India and Pakistan seem to be causing tension elsewhere. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is keeping a close watch on the developments in the subcontinent. Sooner, rather than later, there could be a stock-taking if not a rethink on the 2011 World Cup.
The toughening of stand by the Government of India towards Pakistan, following the terror attacks in Mumbai, is being viewed with some kind of seriousness in Dubai, the headquarters of the ICC. Although there has not been a word from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) nor the ICC on the World Cup, the world body is unlikely to wait too long to take up the issue with the two boards. For that matter with all its four members in the subcontinent.
Some indication could emerge from the fate of India’s tour to the other side of the Wagah in January-February 2009 but the world body is not going to waste the earliest opportunity. The ICC will raise the issue on Sunday, when its Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meets in Cape Town.
Officially, the World Cup is not part of the agenda of the two-day meet — anti-corruption, FTP and Code of Conduct are the stated items on the table — but a top ICC official told DNA that they would discuss the matter with the representatives of India and Pakistan. “We will discuss with BCCI and PCB representatives,” the ICC official told DNA from Cape Town. “The meeting gives us a good opportunity to take stock of the situation. I will be able to tell you more if you ask me after the meeting on Monday.” BCCI is being represented by secretary N Srinivasan. Salim Altaf is the PCB’s representative at the Cape Town meeting. Unconfirmed reports have suggested that Australia could be asked to be prepared to host the tournament at a short notice.
At this stage, however, the BCCI is focused on saving the tour of England and the Pakistan series is not on its radar currently. When asked, a top BCCI official reiterated its oft-repeated stand that it will be a Government’s decision. “We’ve written to them and we have not got any communication from the Government,” he said.
The fate of the tour hangs on two factors — the Government’s stand vis-à-vis Pakistan and the security position in Pakistan. The Government is yet to reply to BCCI’s letter, written more than 10 days go. But since then a lot things have happened across the Arabian Sea.
