Question : WITHDRAWAL FROM PARTICIPATION IN MAJOR CRICKET TOURNAMENTS

(a) Whether the Government are aware of the withdrawal by the Board of Control for Cricket from participation in the major cricket tournaments such as World Cup, Asia Cup and the ICC Knock out Cup because of Government`s refuse to allow participation in the non-regular venues like Sharjah & Singapore etc.;

(b) if so, the reasons for disallowing participation by the Indian Cricket in such major events stating its likely impact on the Indian Cricket; and

(c) the details of the policy laid down by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI PON. RADHAKIRISHNAN)


(a) to (c): The Government has not received any formal communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding its decision. The Government has not disallowed participation of Indian Cricket team in major events like World Cup, Asia Cup or ICC Knock Out Tournament.

The Government has clarified its policy to BCCI that under the prevailing circumstances it would be inappropriate for the Indian team to participate in a two-nation tournament between India and Pakistan at present. The Government has also taken a decision not to play any matches at non-regular venues at least for a period of three years. India will thus continue to play against Pakistan in multilateral tournaments at regular venues. However, the permission to play in a particular event will be given on receipt of the proposal on case-to-case basis after completing requisite formalities.