India may link terror to decision on India-Pak series

The Indian government is examining BCCI's request for a green signal for the Indian cricket team to play Pakistan in Sri Lanka in December, amid indications that Islamabad's continuing support to terror groups will be a major factor in shaping the decision. 

"We have to take into account what impact our decision can have on the morale of the country when there is no let-up in support for terrorists from across the border," a top-ranking government functionary told TOI just after BCCI confirmed that it had approached the Centre for its clearance. 

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday that the board had made a formal request to the ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, seeking clearance to play Pakistan. He emphasised that given its adherence to ICC's Futures Tour Programme, BCCI was committed to playing Pakistan "in UAE or at any other neutral venue if the conditions in Pakistan were not suitable".

Sources said that government will also factor in how the decision might play with popular sentiments. "It is alright to argue that sports and diplomacy should not be linked but in the real world of politics, they cannot be delinked. That has never been the case," said a senior government source. 

Saying the clearance was not a "done deal", he drew a parallel with the deliberations within the government over who should represent India at the "Heart of Asia" conference scheduled for December 7-8 in Pakistan. Pakistan had invited foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, but sources said the level of India's representation was yet to be worked out. 

The fate of the proposed series also depends on Pakistan's government's decision. "It is very much in the hands of the government. The Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) is travelling at the moment, so he will take a decision soon after coming back. We will just have to wait," Shahryar told PTI.  Sri Lanka emerged as the host for the series between arch-rivals after India refused to play in UAE. (PTI)