PCB to take legal action against BCCI for politicizing cricket
What's the story
Tensions between India and Pakistan are high following a deadly terror attack in Pulwama last month.
This has also impacted cricketing relationship, between the two, owing to possible pressure from the Indian Government to sever all ties with Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is mulling to approach the ICC to take legal action against the BCCI for politicizing cricket.
Here are the details.
Story so far
From Pulwama attack to BCCI's plea to ICC
The Pulwama terror attack, on February 14, has put the Indian board in a soup.
Although there is no direct pressure from the Indian Government, cricketing ties between the nations have remained limited to global tournaments in this decade.
Notably, the BCCI had earlier requested the ICC to cut ties with nations which harbor terrorists.
However, the ICC turned down the request.
World Cup
ICC World Cup 2019: India vs Pakistan clash in doubt?
Meanwhile, there are rumors that the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup could be under a cloud.
A few reports suggest that India could boycott the match due to political pressure.
If that indeed happens, not just India would surrender a couple of points, but it might lead to the ICC losing huge amounts of money.
The latest story
BCCI's tribute to martyrs irks PCB!
In the latest development, the Pakistan board has raised an objection to the BCCI's recent move to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack, claiming that the board was politicizing cricket.
The Indian players were seen wearing camouflage caps during the third ODI against Australia in Ranchi.
And the PCB's Chairman Ehsan Mani feels it wasn't the right move by the BCCI.
Quote
India politicizing the Gentleman's Game!
Speaking on the BCCI's latest move, Mani said, "We do not want to see the shoulder of cricket being used for politics. The Indian cricket team did an inappropriate thing due to which their standard has fallen."
Why not England?
If India, why not England?
Considering the Pakistan board has the right intentions, then why is it targeting only India?
India are not the only team to have done so, as England have been regular in making such moves.
All the English teams, across every sport, wear poppy seeds to pay tribute to their army.
Therefore, the PCB's move against the BCCI sounds payback rather than a genuine step.
Next move
Will ICC consider PCB's plea?
Having already rejected the BCCI's plea to sever ties with nations harboring terrorists, it would be interesting to see if the ICC takes any action against India.
Although any move seems unlikely as India haven't violated the Code of Conduct with the move.
However, if ICC decides to pursue action against the BCCI, the ECB too could be in the frame for its tradition.