The talks of India boycotting Pakistan, and if required, the entire ICC World Cup 2019 have gripped the entire cricketing spectrum in the country, following the dastardly terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pulwama that saw 40 CRPF Jawans being martyred. While suggestions have come in stating India should not play Pakistan even if that means giving away points, but as per a BCCI official, even the threat of conceding the match in case of a walkout isn’t there.

The June 16 clash against Pakistan on the cricket field was never seen as a normal contest and now the matter has become even more serious. While it remains to be seen how things develop in the coming weeks, the big question is can India technically withdraw participation from the showpiece event?

A Special General Meeting of the board that took place on June 22, 2018. Revealing the developments from the same, BCCI tresurer, Anirudh Chaudhry, spoke to Hindustan Times over the technicalities, revealing that the Indian board was yet to sign the MPA (Member Participation Agreement) and that put the ball is in their court in terms of deciding whether to play Pakistan or not at the World Cup.

“The BCCI had resolved at the Special General Meeting that the members participation agreement shall not be executed without the authorization of the general body of the BCCI and the BCCI reserves all its rights regarding the MPA and regarding its participation in any other multi-nation tournament or games not covered by the MPA. That answers your question,” he said.

Another board official, speaking to the paper, revealed that the chance of conceding the match to Pakistan also doesn’t come in the picture as the MPA remains unsigned. The situation, hence gives BCCI the opportunity to refuse the match against Sarfraz Ahmed’s men without any fear.

“The India board reserves all rights regarding the MPA and that has been the consistent position of the BCCI. Therefore, the BCCI cannot be forced to even play in the World Cup. There may be some provision where if we do not play them in a match, they get the points. But as of now, the BCCI as an organisation has not even given its authorisation of the signing of the MPA and therefore it is free to lay down its conditions regarding Pakistan,” he clarified.

If the facts hold substance, there’s no reason for India to worry as far as their fate at the World Cup is concerned. The pressure now falls on ICC as to how they go on to manage this tricky situation.

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