As the aftermath of the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama district where more than 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives, most of the Indian cricket fans urged that India shouldn’t play against Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup. However, former Indian cricketer and current UP minister Chetan Chauhan gave his prediction on whether India should play Pakistan or just forfeit the match. He reckons that it is difficult to not participate in global tournaments as compared to bilateral series. He also expressed BCCI could pay heavily if they opt to opt out of the tie.

As per the quotes in ANI, Chauhan said, “Not participating in global tournaments is not easy as every tournament has its rules & many participating nations. If we pull out, we may have to face consequences, could be fined or banned, I think Govt & BCCI will consider this.”

UP Minister Chetan Chauhan on cricket with Pak: Not participating in global tournaments is not easy as every tournament has its rules & many participating nations. If we pull out, we may have to face consequences, could be fined or banned, I think Govt & BCCI will consider this. pic.twitter.com/iykmp7nfdI

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 20, 2019

Meanwhile, recent reports have suggested that PCB will start a dialogue with BCCI in Dubai during the ICC meeting and discuss this issue. It was the PCB which had earlier said that politics and sports should be separate, but in the current scenario that is not how Indians want things to pan out.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Managing Director Wasim Khan has asserted that cricket has always played a key role in bridging the gap between people and countries. He also expressed “extreme” disappointment over the removal of posters of Pakistan Prime Minister and World Cup-winning skipper Imran Khan in the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attacks.

ALSO READ: PCB Terms Covering Of Imran Khan’s Poster As ‘Regrettable’

In his statement, PCB MD said, “Removing the portrait of former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan and other legendary cricketers from one of the most historic cricket clubs and venues are highly regrettable actions. The PCB has also noted the recent turn of events and expresses its extreme disappointment as we have always believed and emphasized that sports and politics should be kept separate. History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries.”