Rajiv Shukla opens up on India-Pakistan Cricket ties
After the terror attack on the CRPF Jawans in Pulwama Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of Indian Premier League has made it clear that there is no possibility of bilateral ties in sports between India and Pakistan until terrorism stops.
“The anger of people against terrorism and Pakistan is getting reflected in many ways. The removal of the portrait of Imran Khan (Former Pakistan cricket skipper and current Prime minister) and the revoking of “Most favoured nation” status are justified reactions to the terror attack” Rajiv Shukla told times now news channel.
Around 40 CRPF Jawans were killed and several were injured in a brutal attack by a suicide bomber in Pulwama on February 14.
The attack has resulted in strong reactions from the Indian public and business outfits with IMG-Reliance pulling out of producing Pakistan Super League (PSL). D-sports and Cricbuzz have stopped their coverage of PSL.
“ I have always said that sports is above politics but this attack has affected the sporting ties severely. Until Pakistan sponsored terrorism stops, the bilateral ties won’t resume” said Rajiv Shukla.
The last time India and Pakistan contested in a bilateral series, Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1.
Since then, political tension has hampered the bilateral encounters and both the teams have clashed only in ICC tournaments. In the upcoming Cricket world cup, both teams are scheduled to play at Manchester on June 16.
When asked whether India will boycott the world cup encounter vs Pakistan, Shukla said: “I cannot say now whether we will contest against Pakistan in the World cup as it’s too far to decide”.
Shukla who is also a part of Indian National Congress (INC) added that the Congress has provided tons of documents during their rule about the involvement of Pakistan in terror attacks.