The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to commence in India on October 5th, featuring ten nations vying for cricket’s most prestigious trophy. Last year’s finalists, England and New Zealand, will open the tournament with a match at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, the much-anticipated cricketing extravaganza is currently under threat from Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the leader of the Khalistani organization Sikhs for Justice. Pannu has issued threats of an attack during the tournament. It’s noteworthy that the Narendra Modi Stadium is scheduled to host the highly awaited India vs. Pakistan clash on October 14th and the tournament final on November 19th. Pannu had previously been declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in July 2020.
A recording of Pannu making these threats has been circulating on social media. In the recording, he accuses Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma in Ottawa of disrespecting Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Team Feasts On Exquisite Hyderabadi Cuisine Ahead Of World Cup Warm-up
Pannu is heard saying in the viral audio, “On Shaheed Nijjar’s assassination, we are going to use ballot against your bullet. We are going to use the vote against your violence. Remember, this October, it will not be the World Cricket Cup. It will be the beginning of the World Terror Cup. The message is from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ general council.”
महोदय @HMOIndia कृपया सूचनार्थ एवं आवश्यक कार्यवाही हेतु। pic.twitter.com/3I1dJ3CUIi
— Nirwa Mehta (@nirwamehta) September 27, 2023
He continues, “India and the Modi regime have insulted Prime Minister Trudeau. Modi regime, it is advisable that you shut down your embassy in Ottawa and bring back your ambassador Verma. This advice is from the Canadians and this advice is from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ general council. We are going to hold Modi and Ambassador Verma accountable for disrespecting Prime Minister Trudeau. It’s very wise to bring back Verma and shut down the Ottawa embassy.”
ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh Backs Glenn Maxwell To Play A Crucial Role In World Cup 2023
It’s important to note that political tensions have escalated between India and Canada following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Gurudwara in Canada on June 18. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian intelligence agencies of being involved in the murder, an allegation vehemently denied by India.
