Let’s look at the World Cup history between these two nemeses and attempt to decipher why Pakistan has not been able to crack the Indian code. Can India stay perfect vs Pakistan in World cups?

Arch-Rivals India And Pakistan To Square Off For The Seventh Time In World Cup History

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-indian-team-attends-practice-session-ahead-of-crucial-pakistan-clash-227461">World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan</a> as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory.

Virat&nbsp;Kohli's side clash with Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday in the most eagerly-anticipated games of the group stage.

With bi-lateral series between the two nations suspended after India blamed Pakistan for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the Asian giants only meet in multi-nation events.

India boast a 6-0 record against Pakistan in the World Cup and their supporters are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that impressive streak remains unblemished.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

"I have come all the way from New Jersey with my brother-in-law to watch India beat Pakistan at Old Trafford. It's not a vacation but a pilgrimage for us," Hiten Patel, an Indian who lives in the US, told AFP.

"My brother-in-law and I have decided to abstain from non-vegetarian food till the India-Pak match gets over and hopefully that is our totka (a charm) for India to win."

Two-time champions India, one of the favourites to lift the trophy along with holders Australia and hosts England, have won two of their first three matches, with the other rained off.

Pakistan have lost two of their four games, but Indian fans are wary of their rivals' unpredictable nature after a shock loss in the 2017 Champions Trophy final when Sarfaraz Ahmed's team hammered favourites India.

'Right foot first'

"You never know with this Pakistani team. They may be down and out but somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of their hats against India," Percy Lakdawada, an Indian living in London, told AFP.

"I always travel to see India play in England and as a ritual I enter the stadium by putting my right foot first. And trust me whenever I have forgotten to do that India has lost," said the 54-year-old businessman.

India's first two matches in Southampton and London have witnessed a sell out crowd dominated by Indians and the rest of the venues are expected to be no different.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch was not surprised by the sea of blue at the Oval on Sunday in contrast to just a handful of Aussie fans.

While most fans prefer to wear the Indian team's jersey when taking their seats in the stands, one woman told AFP that the blue is bad luck for her.

"I once wore the Indian team jersey during a match in the 1999 World Cup and India lost. Since then I just wear any other colour than blue," said Meena Jain, who lives in Nottingham and is travelling for four Indian games including the Pakistan showdown.

"My husband and my son though will cheer the team in blue," the 46-year-old housewife added.

Many players are also superstitious, with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar always following a certain regimen ahead of matches during his illustrious career.

"Sachin never wanted anyone to even wish him good luck before he went into bat," Tendulkar's biographer Boria Majumdar told AFP.

"For example at Centurion (versus Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup) when coach John Wright went to speak to him, he literally wished John wouldn't say a word.&nbsp;

"The moment the umpires went on the field Sachin walked out and for once took first strike. The rest is history."

Tendulkar's superstitious approach inspired a match-winning knock of 98 that once again stamped India's World Cup superiority over Pakistan, with many of his compatriots hoping their own rituals produce the same outcome on Sunday.

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory.

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory. Virat Kohli's side clash with Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday in the most eagerly-anticipated games of the group stage. With bi-lateral series between the two nations suspended after India blamed Pakistan for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the Asian giants only meet in multi-nation events. India boast a 6-0 record against Pakistan in the World Cup and their supporters are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that impressive streak remains unblemished. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history "I have come all the way from New Jersey with my brother-in-law to watch India beat Pakistan at Old Trafford. It's not a vacation but a pilgrimage for us," Hiten Patel, an Indian who lives in the US, told AFP. "My brother-in-law and I have decided to abstain from non-vegetarian food till the India-Pak match gets over and hopefully that is our totka (a charm) for India to win." Two-time champions India, one of the favourites to lift the trophy along with holders Australia and hosts England, have won two of their first three matches, with the other rained off. Pakistan have lost two of their four games, but Indian fans are wary of their rivals' unpredictable nature after a shock loss in the 2017 Champions Trophy final when Sarfaraz Ahmed's team hammered favourites India. 'Right foot first' "You never know with this Pakistani team. They may be down and out but somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of their hats against India," Percy Lakdawada, an Indian living in London, told AFP. "I always travel to see India play in England and as a ritual I enter the stadium by putting my right foot first. And trust me whenever I have forgotten to do that India has lost," said the 54-year-old businessman. India's first two matches in Southampton and London have witnessed a sell out crowd dominated by Indians and the rest of the venues are expected to be no different. Australia skipper Aaron Finch was not surprised by the sea of blue at the Oval on Sunday in contrast to just a handful of Aussie fans. While most fans prefer to wear the Indian team's jersey when taking their seats in the stands, one woman told AFP that the blue is bad luck for her. "I once wore the Indian team jersey during a match in the 1999 World Cup and India lost. Since then I just wear any other colour than blue," said Meena Jain, who lives in Nottingham and is travelling for four Indian games including the Pakistan showdown. "My husband and my son though will cheer the team in blue," the 46-year-old housewife added. Many players are also superstitious, with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar always following a certain regimen ahead of matches during his illustrious career. "Sachin never wanted anyone to even wish him good luck before he went into bat," Tendulkar's biographer Boria Majumdar told AFP. "For example at Centurion (versus Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup) when coach John Wright went to speak to him, he literally wished John wouldn't say a word. "The moment the umpires went on the field Sachin walked out and for once took first strike. The rest is history." Tendulkar's superstitious approach inspired a match-winning knock of 98 that once again stamped India's World Cup superiority over Pakistan, with many of his compatriots hoping their own rituals produce the same outcome on Sunday.

India fans and their crazy superstitions ahead of Pakistan clash

Captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;has sought to play down the hype surrounding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-indian-team-attends-practice-session-ahead-of-crucial-pakistan-clash-227461">India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan</a>, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime".

The two Asian giants lock horns in Manchester on Sunday with more than a billion people expected to tune in for the most-anticipated match of the tournament.

Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far.

Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

Kohli&nbsp;said his team would focus on their strengths rather than worrying about the weaknesses of any opposition.

"We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

Matches between the two countries, who currently only face each other in multi-nation tournaments, are always about more than just what happens on the pitch.&nbsp;

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">Key players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan clash</a>&nbsp;

"I think the best way to approach something like this, if one focuses too much on what's going on the outside, it's to understand that the game starts tomorrow at a certain time and it finishes at a certain time," said&nbsp;Kohli.

"So it's not going to last a lifetime for you, whether you do well or you don't," the captained reasoned with a blank expression.

He added, "From the fans' point of view, looking at the atmosphere and frenzy around the game, I wouldn't say it's easy to think like a player. For the players, it's very, very crucial to be absolutely professional."

The two teams have played each other in 131 one-day international games. Pakistan have a clear edge with 73 wins, despite their poor record against India at World Cups.

With the threat of rain looming over the match,&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said flexibility would be crucial both for the team's plans and the make-up of the side.

"We can't be rigid in our approach because, if the conditions are very different from what we played in the last game, then we'll have to think of different combinations, " he said.

"If the length of the game is going to be full and we expect the game to be 50 overs both sides, then we'll probably think of another combination, but we'll have to be flexible." 
&nbsp;

Captain Virat Kohli has sought to play down the hype surrounding India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime".

Captain Virat Kohli has sought to play down the hype surrounding India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime". The two Asian giants lock horns in Manchester on Sunday with more than a billion people expected to tune in for the most-anticipated match of the tournament. Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history Kohli said his team would focus on their strengths rather than worrying about the weaknesses of any opposition. "We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other," Kohli said at Old Trafford on Saturday. "It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said. Matches between the two countries, who currently only face each other in multi-nation tournaments, are always about more than just what happens on the pitch. In pics: Key players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan clash "I think the best way to approach something like this, if one focuses too much on what's going on the outside, it's to understand that the game starts tomorrow at a certain time and it finishes at a certain time," said Kohli. "So it's not going to last a lifetime for you, whether you do well or you don't," the captained reasoned with a blank expression. He added, "From the fans' point of view, looking at the atmosphere and frenzy around the game, I wouldn't say it's easy to think like a player. For the players, it's very, very crucial to be absolutely professional." The two teams have played each other in 131 one-day international games. Pakistan have a clear edge with 73 wins, despite their poor record against India at World Cups. With the threat of rain looming over the match, Kohli said flexibility would be crucial both for the team's plans and the make-up of the side. "We can't be rigid in our approach because, if the conditions are very different from what we played in the last game, then we'll have to think of different combinations, " he said. "If the length of the game is going to be full and we expect the game to be 50 overs both sides, then we'll probably think of another combination, but we'll have to be flexible."

India-Pakistan World Cup result will not be career-defining, says Virat Kohli

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan.

The West Indian also said he will wear the same attire on his birthday, which falls in September. "Yup! I'm rocking my India Pakistan Suit, all love and respect! I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th... its lit," Gayle captioned his Instagram post.

Cricket World Cup Instagram handle too shared the picture of Gayle in his India-Pakistan suit and wrote, "the Universe Boss is ready for the match.

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"Earlier in the day, India captain Virat Kohli dismissed any question of pressure in playing arch-rivals Pakistan and said no game is more special or less regardless of the opposition and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has not changed.

Kohli indicated that depending on the weather and playing conditions there could be changes in the playing squad.

Addressing the pre-match press conference, Kohli said in a philosophical vein that the World Cup match against Pakistan will not last a lifetime as it starts and ends at a certain time and the 50-over tournament will still go on even if the result goes against the Indian team.

Relationship with the Pakistani players was good, he said and praised a couple of them.

On the other hand, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said that his team has not played a perfect game yet. The coach also said if Pakistan put all disciplines together, then they can beat anyone in the world.

"If we put three disciplines together, we can beat anyone in the world. We haven't put a perfect game yet, we are confident of displaying perfect cricketing skills. If we put it all together, we are a good cricket team.

"There`s pressure on each and every game. We are excited about tomorrow and we are pretty confident that we will perform to the best of our ability," Arthur said.&nbsp;

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan.

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan. The West Indian also said he will wear the same attire on his birthday, which falls in September. "Yup! I'm rocking my India Pakistan Suit, all love and respect! I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th... its lit," Gayle captioned his Instagram post. Cricket World Cup Instagram handle too shared the picture of Gayle in his India-Pakistan suit and wrote, "the Universe Boss is ready for the match. View this post on Instagram Yup! I’m rocking my india 🇮🇳 Pakistan 🇵🇰 Suit, all love and respect!😉 ✌🏿... I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th 😁...its lit 🔥 👌🏿🕺🏾🥂 #FashionOverStyle #UniverseBoss #KingGayle #45 #333 #Suit @sidbafna #Attiitude #CWC19 A post shared by KingGayle 👑 (@chrisgayle333) on Jun 15, 2019 at 5:16am PDT × "Earlier in the day, India captain Virat Kohli dismissed any question of pressure in playing arch-rivals Pakistan and said no game is more special or less regardless of the opposition and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has not changed. Kohli indicated that depending on the weather and playing conditions there could be changes in the playing squad. Addressing the pre-match press conference, Kohli said in a philosophical vein that the World Cup match against Pakistan will not last a lifetime as it starts and ends at a certain time and the 50-over tournament will still go on even if the result goes against the Indian team. Relationship with the Pakistani players was good, he said and praised a couple of them. On the other hand, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said that his team has not played a perfect game yet. The coach also said if Pakistan put all disciplines together, then they can beat anyone in the world. "If we put three disciplines together, we can beat anyone in the world. We haven't put a perfect game yet, we are confident of displaying perfect cricketing skills. If we put it all together, we are a good cricket team. "There`s pressure on each and every game. We are excited about tomorrow and we are pretty confident that we will perform to the best of our ability," Arthur said.

Chris Gayle dons special suit for India-Pak World Cup clash

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">India vs Pakistan match</a>, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams.&nbsp;

Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far.

Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout.

"We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition. Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams. Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout. "We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other," Kohli said at Old Trafford on Saturday. "It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

Guess who will win this miniature Cricket World Cup trophy?

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;just days before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">fierce rivals clash</a> in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented&nbsp;Kohli.

Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup.

His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches&nbsp;Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him.

"I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters.&nbsp;

"I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent.&nbsp;

"His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well."

Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend.

"The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said.

Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final.

Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs.

"That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said.

The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best.

"We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said.

"The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it."

And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;

"No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown. Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented Kohli. Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup. His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him. "I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters. "I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent. "His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well." Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend. "The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said. Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final. Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs. "That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said. The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best. "We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said. "The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it." And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah. "No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

World Cup: Indian maestro Virat Kohli is a model for Pakistan's Babar Azam

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash</a> which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester.&nbsp;

"No one game is more special for us than the other. Our responsibility is to treat every game equally, regardless of the opposition. We are a top side in the world because of the cricket that we play," said Virat.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

"If we play well, we can beat anyone. Nothing changes according to the opposition. For the players, it is very important to be professional, be it any team you are up against," he further added.&nbsp;

India had never lost to Pakistan in 50-over World Cup history&nbsp;and will look to continue the trend in the ongoing edition.&nbsp;

India had not lost any game in the three matches played so far, the last match against New Zealand was got abandoned due to rain.

While Pakistan has won one match out of four they have played so far. They lost two contests and one was abandoned.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester. "No one game is more special for us than the other. Our responsibility is to treat every game equally, regardless of the opposition. We are a top side in the world because of the cricket that we play," said Virat. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history "If we play well, we can beat anyone. Nothing changes according to the opposition. For the players, it is very important to be professional, be it any team you are up against," he further added. India had never lost to Pakistan in 50-over World Cup history and will look to continue the trend in the ongoing edition. India had not lost any game in the three matches played so far, the last match against New Zealand was got abandoned due to rain. While Pakistan has won one match out of four they have played so far. They lost two contests and one was abandoned.

'If we play well, we can beat anyone,' says Virat Kohli ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan</a> on Sunday.

India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport.

The tense political situation between India and Pakistan lends an extra level of animosity whenever the feuding neighbours clash on the cricket pitch.

Their latest meeting comes with the stakes even higher than usual in the World Cup at Old Trafford this weekend and Harbhajan is well aware just how high emotions will be running on the pitch and in the stands.

The 38-year-old spinner played 17 times against Pakistan in a 236-match ODI career for India, including arguably their biggest ever match in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals on home soil in Chandigarh.

It was such a critical fixture that Harbhajan lay awake for hours tossing and turning in bed the night before the game as he visualised the furious response from the Indian public if they lost.

"The memories of that game was I couldn't sleep the night before, even though I tried my best," Harbhajan said.

"I was just worried about what would happen if we lost the game. There were a lot of thoughts coming into my mind.

"People get angry and they can do anything. In the 2003 World Cup we didn't play one game as well as we should have against Australia and people got really angry.

"They were just burning our stuff and throwing stones at our homes. They get a bit emotional."

'Too happy'

Despite his sleep-deprived preparation, Harbhajan took two wickets as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs, with his side going on to win the World Cup for the second time.

Even with a disastrous defeat averted, the adrenaline of victory kept Harbhajan from sleeping the night after the match as well.

"When we won the game I couldn't sleep the next day either because I was too excited and too happy. That's what the Pakistan game does to you," he said.

"Obviously it's one of those games when the pressure is a little more than when you play against England or New Zealand.

"People in both countries want their respective teams to win and if you end up losing the game the people really get up upset and they go on to lose their minds, which is obviously quite bad."

Although they were crushed by Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India have never lost to them at a World Cup, winning at the last two tournaments, and are favourites to extend that run when the rivalry resumes in Manchester.

However, Harbhajan acknowledges India's status brings its own burdens, raising expectations among their passionate fanbase of another win over the old enemy.

"As a player you always want to play well against Pakistan, so there is more pressure. It's not just for Indian players but for Pakistani players as well," he said.

"But there is more pressure on the Indian players because we have a very good record in these games and we don't want to change that."

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport.

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport. The tense political situation between India and Pakistan lends an extra level of animosity whenever the feuding neighbours clash on the cricket pitch. Their latest meeting comes with the stakes even higher than usual in the World Cup at Old Trafford this weekend and Harbhajan is well aware just how high emotions will be running on the pitch and in the stands. The 38-year-old spinner played 17 times against Pakistan in a 236-match ODI career for India, including arguably their biggest ever match in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals on home soil in Chandigarh. It was such a critical fixture that Harbhajan lay awake for hours tossing and turning in bed the night before the game as he visualised the furious response from the Indian public if they lost. "The memories of that game was I couldn't sleep the night before, even though I tried my best," Harbhajan said. "I was just worried about what would happen if we lost the game. There were a lot of thoughts coming into my mind. "People get angry and they can do anything. In the 2003 World Cup we didn't play one game as well as we should have against Australia and people got really angry. "They were just burning our stuff and throwing stones at our homes. They get a bit emotional." 'Too happy' Despite his sleep-deprived preparation, Harbhajan took two wickets as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs, with his side going on to win the World Cup for the second time. Even with a disastrous defeat averted, the adrenaline of victory kept Harbhajan from sleeping the night after the match as well. "When we won the game I couldn't sleep the next day either because I was too excited and too happy. That's what the Pakistan game does to you," he said. "Obviously it's one of those games when the pressure is a little more than when you play against England or New Zealand. "People in both countries want their respective teams to win and if you end up losing the game the people really get up upset and they go on to lose their minds, which is obviously quite bad." Although they were crushed by Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India have never lost to them at a World Cup, winning at the last two tournaments, and are favourites to extend that run when the rivalry resumes in Manchester. However, Harbhajan acknowledges India's status brings its own burdens, raising expectations among their passionate fanbase of another win over the old enemy. "As a player you always want to play well against Pakistan, so there is more pressure. It's not just for Indian players but for Pakistani players as well," he said. "But there is more pressure on the Indian players because we have a very good record in these games and we don't want to change that."

Harbhajan Singh warns India stars to expect sleepless night as Pakistan loom

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his side's needs to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against arch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Pakistan once again produced some sloppy out-cricket in a 41-run group stage defeat by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-stars-in-australias-41-run-win-over-pakistan-226669">champions Australia at Taunton</a> on Wednesday, dropping three catches amid other misfields.

"We need to improve because if we want to beat bigger teams like Australia and India then all three aspects of the game are crucial," said Sarfaraz.

"Definitely I think the fielding needs improvement - the fielding is not up to the mark," the wicket-keeper admitted. "We work together again, and work hard before the India match."

Pakistan have never beaten India in six World Cup matches dating back to 1992. Pakistan could have derailed Australia at the start, after Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first.

But first slip Asif Ali dropped Aaron Finch off paceman Wahab Riaz when the Australian skipper was on 26 with the total at 67.

Finch (82) and David Warner (107) took the opening stand to 146 before Mohammad Amir turned the match on its head with a career best 5-30 as Australia were bowled out for 307 in 49 overs.

Sarfaraz said Pakistan had made too many mistakes of their own in a match where they were dismissed for 266 in 45.4 overs.

They now have three points from four games, with two defeats, one win -- a surprise success over tournament hosts and favourites England -- and a no-result.

"We committed more mistakes than Australia," said Sarfaraz. "We won a good toss but didn't bowl well in the first 30 overs."&nbsp;

Sarfaraz added a rapid collapse that saw three wickets lost for 11 runs as Pakistan slumped to 147-5 had also proved costly.

"I think losing three wickets in the space of 15 balls was the turning point," he lamented.&nbsp;

"Babar (Azam, who made 30 including seven fours) was playing well and his was a soft dismissal."

Mohammad Hafeez also fell when well set, for 46, when he hit a Finch full toss straight to deep square leg.

"The ball which Mohammad Hafeez got out to was a loose one -- it should have gone over the fence," said Sarfaraz.

"We have to overcome our mistakes because India are also a very strong team. We will assess our performance and then we will plan."

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his side's needs to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against arch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his side's needs to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against arch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday. Pakistan once again produced some sloppy out-cricket in a 41-run group stage defeat by champions Australia at Taunton on Wednesday, dropping three catches amid other misfields. "We need to improve because if we want to beat bigger teams like Australia and India then all three aspects of the game are crucial," said Sarfaraz. "Definitely I think the fielding needs improvement - the fielding is not up to the mark," the wicket-keeper admitted. "We work together again, and work hard before the India match." Pakistan have never beaten India in six World Cup matches dating back to 1992. Pakistan could have derailed Australia at the start, after Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first. But first slip Asif Ali dropped Aaron Finch off paceman Wahab Riaz when the Australian skipper was on 26 with the total at 67. Finch (82) and David Warner (107) took the opening stand to 146 before Mohammad Amir turned the match on its head with a career best 5-30 as Australia were bowled out for 307 in 49 overs. Sarfaraz said Pakistan had made too many mistakes of their own in a match where they were dismissed for 266 in 45.4 overs. They now have three points from four games, with two defeats, one win -- a surprise success over tournament hosts and favourites England -- and a no-result. "We committed more mistakes than Australia," said Sarfaraz. "We won a good toss but didn't bowl well in the first 30 overs." Sarfaraz added a rapid collapse that saw three wickets lost for 11 runs as Pakistan slumped to 147-5 had also proved costly. "I think losing three wickets in the space of 15 balls was the turning point," he lamented. "Babar (Azam, who made 30 including seven fours) was playing well and his was a soft dismissal." Mohammad Hafeez also fell when well set, for 46, when he hit a Finch full toss straight to deep square leg. "The ball which Mohammad Hafeez got out to was a loose one -- it should have gone over the fence," said Sarfaraz. "We have to overcome our mistakes because India are also a very strong team. We will assess our performance and then we will plan."

We need to overcome mistakes to beat India, says Sarfaraz after Australia defeat

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged.&nbsp;

The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide. It had a 14.8 per cent TV rating with a live reach of&nbsp;288 million.&nbsp;

During the major ICC events, both the team are under the immense pressure of winning the match to steer clear of the repercussions as losing leads to extreme reactions from fans in both the countries.&nbsp;

When it comes to stats, India and Pakistan have played a total of 131 matches. Pakistan dominate the overall tally by winning 73 matches while India won 54. Although, in the World Cup, it is India who dominated Pakistan by a great record of winning all the six&nbsp;games played so far.&nbsp;

The stressful history between the two nations pushes the fans to take extreme measures while celebrating the win and after a defeat, some disruptions often occur.&nbsp;

After 2008 Mumbai blasts, India refused to play the bilateral series against the arch-rivals.

The question arises, is it worth it and why can't they just move on?&nbsp;

India vs Pakistan is overhyped and when it comes to real cricket, the actual action, India vs Australia is a real deal.&nbsp;

In the past five World Cup tournaments, India are the only team to have denied the Australians the trophy, which was in 2011 when India were the champions.&nbsp;

Both the teams have played a total of 136 ODI matches, Australia won 77 matches and India emerged victorious on 49 occasions.&nbsp;

While in the World Cup, Aussies dominated India by defeating the 'Men in Blue' in eight of 11 games played.&nbsp;

In the ongoing edition of World Cup, which is underway in England and Wales, both the teams had a winning start.&nbsp;

Now, they will look to continue the momentum when they take on each other on June 9 in one of the most anticipated battles in this edition.&nbsp;

Australia have enjoyed supremacy in cricket for more than a decade by winning World Cup three consecutive times and overall, they have won it five times.&nbsp;

However, they suffered a torrid year since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for ball-tampering, an incident that prompted a national outcry.&nbsp;

I grew up in a time when Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were world's best bowlers but even that time, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag were threats to them.&nbsp;

Now in modern times, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are posing threat to Australian Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

While David Warner and Aaron Finch are in form to make the job difficult for India's Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.&nbsp;

From batting to bowling, from fielding to sledging, the sides give a huge competition to each other.&nbsp;

Their current teams are a mix of young talents with experienced players and both the captains, Kohli and Finch, know weaknesses of each other's squad as they have played ten&nbsp;ODI including home and away series recently.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see which captain will use&nbsp;it in a better way.&nbsp;

Hungry for redemption, the Aussie will look to dominate the contest but with their current form, both the teams surely build up towards an exciting contest in this World Cup.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged. The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide.

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged. The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide. It had a 14.8 per cent TV rating with a live reach of 288 million. During the major ICC events, both the team are under the immense pressure of winning the match to steer clear of the repercussions as losing leads to extreme reactions from fans in both the countries. When it comes to stats, India and Pakistan have played a total of 131 matches. Pakistan dominate the overall tally by winning 73 matches while India won 54. Although, in the World Cup, it is India who dominated Pakistan by a great record of winning all the six games played so far. The stressful history between the two nations pushes the fans to take extreme measures while celebrating the win and after a defeat, some disruptions often occur. After 2008 Mumbai blasts, India refused to play the bilateral series against the arch-rivals. The question arises, is it worth it and why can't they just move on? India vs Pakistan is overhyped and when it comes to real cricket, the actual action, India vs Australia is a real deal. In the past five World Cup tournaments, India are the only team to have denied the Australians the trophy, which was in 2011 when India were the champions. Both the teams have played a total of 136 ODI matches, Australia won 77 matches and India emerged victorious on 49 occasions. While in the World Cup, Aussies dominated India by defeating the 'Men in Blue' in eight of 11 games played. In the ongoing edition of World Cup, which is underway in England and Wales, both the teams had a winning start. Now, they will look to continue the momentum when they take on each other on June 9 in one of the most anticipated battles in this edition. Australia have enjoyed supremacy in cricket for more than a decade by winning World Cup three consecutive times and overall, they have won it five times. However, they suffered a torrid year since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for ball-tampering, an incident that prompted a national outcry. I grew up in a time when Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were world's best bowlers but even that time, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag were threats to them. Now in modern times, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are posing threat to Australian Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. While David Warner and Aaron Finch are in form to make the job difficult for India's Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. From batting to bowling, from fielding to sledging, the sides give a huge competition to each other. Their current teams are a mix of young talents with experienced players and both the captains, Kohli and Finch, know weaknesses of each other's squad as they have played ten ODI including home and away series recently. It will be interesting to see which captain will use it in a better way. Hungry for redemption, the Aussie will look to dominate the contest but with their current form, both the teams surely build up towards an exciting contest in this World Cup. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Indo-Pak cricket rivalry overhyped, India vs Australia is the real deal

The stage is set for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and Lord's Cricket Ground, called 'the Home of cricket' is set to host the World Cup final, for a record fifth time.&nbsp;

Apart from the Final on July 14, four group stage matches will also be played on the Lord's ground.&nbsp;

June 23: Pakistan v South Africa

June 25: England v Australia

June 29: New Zealand v Australia&nbsp;

July 5: Pakistan v Bangladesh&nbsp;

Looking back at history, Lord's Cricket Ground is the only one to have hosted multiple finals, those of 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999.

Here's a look at the Finals that Lord's has previously hosted:&nbsp;

1975 World Cup final 
West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs to lift the first ever World Cup Trophy.&nbsp;

West Indies was captained by Clive Lloyd and Australia by Ian Chappell.

In the 60 overs match, West Indies put up a score of 291/8 with Sir Clive Lloyd hitting a century.

Australia collapsed, making just 274 runs handing West Indies the victory.

1979 World Cup final 
This was the second time that Lord's had hosted an ICC Cricket World Cup final.&nbsp;

The match was won by the West Indies when they defeated England by 92 runs to lift the trophy.

West Indies made 286/9, while England in return collapsed on 194.

1983 World Cup final 
India playing their first finals defeated the West Indies to claim the title.&nbsp;

It was the first World cup win for India, who were no one's favourites to win the World Cup.

India batted first and made 183 runs.

The West Indies team in return could only make a total of 140 runs.

India won by 43 runs and Captain Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup was a sight to see.

1999 World Cup final 
Australia won their second title by defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final.&nbsp;

It was a low scoring match where Pakistan batting first made just 132 runs and Australia chased the total in just 20 overs.&nbsp;

Shane Warne took 4 wickets and was declared Man of the Match.

The final for the World Cup 2019 will be played on the iconic ground 14 July 2019.

The stage is set for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and Lord's Cricket Ground, called 'the Home of cricket' is set to host the World Cup final, for a record fifth time.

The stage is set for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and Lord's Cricket Ground, called 'the Home of cricket' is set to host the World Cup final, for a record fifth time. Apart from the Final on July 14, four group stage matches will also be played on the Lord's ground. June 23: Pakistan v South Africa June 25: England v Australia June 29: New Zealand v Australia July 5: Pakistan v Bangladesh Looking back at history, Lord's Cricket Ground is the only one to have hosted multiple finals, those of 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. Here's a look at the Finals that Lord's has previously hosted: 1975 World Cup final West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs to lift the first ever World Cup Trophy. West Indies was captained by Clive Lloyd and Australia by Ian Chappell. In the 60 overs match, West Indies put up a score of 291/8 with Sir Clive Lloyd hitting a century. Australia collapsed, making just 274 runs handing West Indies the victory. 1979 World Cup final This was the second time that Lord's had hosted an ICC Cricket World Cup final. The match was won by the West Indies when they defeated England by 92 runs to lift the trophy. West Indies made 286/9, while England in return collapsed on 194. 1983 World Cup final India playing their first finals defeated the West Indies to claim the title. It was the first World cup win for India, who were no one's favourites to win the World Cup. India batted first and made 183 runs. The West Indies team in return could only make a total of 140 runs. India won by 43 runs and Captain Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup was a sight to see. 1999 World Cup final Australia won their second title by defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final. It was a low scoring match where Pakistan batting first made just 132 runs and Australia chased the total in just 20 overs. Shane Warne took 4 wickets and was declared Man of the Match. The final for the World Cup 2019 will be played on the iconic ground 14 July 2019.

'Home of Cricket': Throwback to previous World Cup finals held at the Lord's Cricket Ground

Amid speculation&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indo-pak-world-cup-match-bound-by-icc-agreement-icc-chief-david-richardson-204177">India might not&nbsp;play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019</a>, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Gambhir, who was addressing the media on the sidelines of a promotional event, stressed that BCCI should either snap all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including multi-lateral events, or engage with India's arch-rivals at every level as "there can't be conditional bans".&nbsp;

After the Pulwama terror attack, Gambhir had voiced his opinion — of snapping all cricketing ties with Pakistan — several times and said BCCI has to decide and then be prepared for the consequences.

"There can't be conditional bans. Either you ban everything with Pakistan or open everything with Pakistan. What has happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable," Gambhir had said.

"I am sure its going to be difficult for India to boycott them in ICC tournaments but stop playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup," the left-hander said.

Gambhir reiterated that there should be a blanket ban on engagement with Pakistan even if it comes at the cost of being ostracised by the sporting community.

"There could be repercussions and we may not qualify for the semi-finals. No media should blame the Indian team if they plan to boycott playing Pakistan," he said.

The BCCI had appealed to the ICC to snap ties with countries from where terror emanates in a veiled reference to Pakistan but the request was turned down at the ICC board meeting in Dubai.

When asked what should be done if the two teams meet in the final, Gambhir said that in that case, India should forfeit the final.

Amid speculation that India might not play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan.

Amid speculation that India might not play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan. Gambhir, who was addressing the media on the sidelines of a promotional event, stressed that BCCI should either snap all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including multi-lateral events, or engage with India's arch-rivals at every level as "there can't be conditional bans". After the Pulwama terror attack, Gambhir had voiced his opinion — of snapping all cricketing ties with Pakistan — several times and said BCCI has to decide and then be prepared for the consequences. "There can't be conditional bans. Either you ban everything with Pakistan or open everything with Pakistan. What has happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable," Gambhir had said. "I am sure its going to be difficult for India to boycott them in ICC tournaments but stop playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup," the left-hander said. Gambhir reiterated that there should be a blanket ban on engagement with Pakistan even if it comes at the cost of being ostracised by the sporting community. "There could be repercussions and we may not qualify for the semi-finals. No media should blame the Indian team if they plan to boycott playing Pakistan," he said. The BCCI had appealed to the ICC to snap ties with countries from where terror emanates in a veiled reference to Pakistan but the request was turned down at the ICC board meeting in Dubai. When asked what should be done if the two teams meet in the final, Gambhir said that in that case, India should forfeit the final.

Either snap all cricketing ties or engage at every level with Pakistan: Gautam Gambhir to BCCI

In Pictures: After 1971, how China, France, UK helped build Pakistan Navy

The International Cricket Council has turned down the BCCI's request to sever ties with countries from which "terrorism emanates", saying the ICC has no role to play in matters like these.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed, the BCCI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-writes-letter-to-icc-to-express-concerns-over-security-of-indian-players-heading-into-world-cup-199011">in a letter to the ICC</a>, urged the world body and its member nations to sever ties with countries which harbour terror.

"There was no chance that anything like that would have happened. The ICC chairman made it clear that the decision to ostracize a nation is taken at the government level and ICC had no rule. The BCCI knew it all along but still took a chance," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The BCCI letter did not make a specific reference to Pakistan, which has been accused of harbouring terrorists by India.&nbsp;

The issue came up during Saturday's ICC board meeting chaired by chairman Shashank Manohar but not much time was spent on it.

The BCCI was represented at the board by acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary.

"So many players from member nations play the Pakistan Super League and they would have never entertained such a request. Yes, security was a concern and it had been duly addressed," the Board official added.

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play Pakistan in the World Cup on June 16. There have been calls to boycott the clash in the wake of the heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

The demand has been made by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket such as Harbhajan Singh and Sourav Ganguly.

However, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket has so far not taken any decision on the matter, saying that it will seek the government's view.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council has turned down the BCCI's request to sever ties with countries from which "terrorism emanates", saying the ICC has no role to play in matters like these.

The International Cricket Council has turned down the BCCI's request to sever ties with countries from which "terrorism emanates", saying the ICC has no role to play in matters like these. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed, the BCCI, in a letter to the ICC, urged the world body and its member nations to sever ties with countries which harbour terror. "There was no chance that anything like that would have happened. The ICC chairman made it clear that the decision to ostracize a nation is taken at the government level and ICC had no rule. The BCCI knew it all along but still took a chance," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. The BCCI letter did not make a specific reference to Pakistan, which has been accused of harbouring terrorists by India. The issue came up during Saturday's ICC board meeting chaired by chairman Shashank Manohar but not much time was spent on it. The BCCI was represented at the board by acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary. "So many players from member nations play the Pakistan Super League and they would have never entertained such a request. Yes, security was a concern and it had been duly addressed," the Board official added. The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play Pakistan in the World Cup on June 16. There have been calls to boycott the clash in the wake of the heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama attack. The demand has been made by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket such as Harbhajan Singh and Sourav Ganguly. However, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket has so far not taken any decision on the matter, saying that it will seek the government's view.

Severing cricketing ties with nations not our domain: ICC tells BCCI

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war. Only if there is a war on such scale can nuclear red lines come into play.

However, Pakistani leadership has a propensity to play mind games using the nuclear option even at the early period of the escalatory spiral. There are far too many imponderables in the spiral but more importantly, there is also a lack of informed understanding about some of the issues involved here.&nbsp;

Television anchors and even some analysts have been quick to incorrectly surmise that in the past there was a lack of combined political and military will to retaliate against triggers caused willfully by terrorists under the sponsorship of Pakistan’s Deep State.

While not taking away anything from the bold decision of the current Indian government to employ surgical precision air strikes against terrorist facilities after the Pulwama outrage, with all the risk involved in a military action which could have also gone wrong, it is also true that in the past the circumstances were different.

Many lessons were learnt through these years and the same are today being applied at the strategic and operational level with cumulative experience. The present Indian government itself has gained much experience through three incidents between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;

In 1999 the NDA government responded strongly and decisively to the Kargil intrusion, taking the engagement to its culmination through a combined military-diplomatic campaign. The trigger caused by the 13 Dec 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the symbol of its democracy, sufficiently irked the government and the people to lead the government to escalate its response many notches higher.

It ordered general mobilisation and deployed the Army at the borders for almost a year awaiting launch. It wasn’t the lack of political will or military reluctance but the unique circumstance of the early presence of the US armed forces in the Af Pak region to fight the Taliban and the Al Qaida that forced the Indian leadership to abjure from military engagement in retribution against the Pakistan support for the terror attack on Parliament.&nbsp;

The 26/11 Mumbai attack caused immense casualties and hit India’s self-esteem too. While the government considered all options for a response right up to the stage of the potential war, there was comparatively much lesser public pressure due to lack of social media and poor internet penetration at that time.

The decibels on India’s electronic visual media were then of a lower order in comparison to today’s cacophony which passes as strategic debate. It was also just after the unsuccessful backroom diplomacy between the two nations in pursuance of the Four Point Formula of Parvez Musharaf; the temperature of the security environment had considerably cooled and the ceasefire was contributing majorly to confidence building. Under the circumstances, it was perhaps a difficult call.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pathankot attack was the current government’s first major challenge in the strategic sub-conventional domain. While the situation in Kashmir was none too stable, PM Modi’s attempts at transforming the process of relations between India and Pakistan had created positive vibes. In fact, the PM’s visit to Lahore on Christmas 2015 had contributed to the improving trust as much had the NSA’s talks with his Pakistani counterpart.

Thus when Pathankot happened within seven days of the Lahore visit it was more of a shock to the political leadership on both sides. Joint investigation and evidence gathering started early to offset any possibility of the terror act being exploited to trigger an escalatory spiral. The patience, of course, was running thin and something more was expected early enough.

The Uri terror attack on 18 Sept 2016 was against an army formation headquarters on our side of the Line of Control but led to the death of 20 soldiers; sufficient trigger for a response was perceived by decision makers who then started to feel that without sufficiency of counter threats the Deep State would continue to feel emboldened to repeat its strikes.

There is an erroneous perception among many, that the post-Uri surgical strikes were designed to deter Pakistan and the terrorists. In fact, it was only messaging that India was attempting and the risk involved was comparatively low. The messaging was to convey that India had the political will and military capability to strike each time Pakistan chose to up the ante through a terror attack in India.

The 2016 trans-LoC surgical strikes gave the Indian government the necessary experience and confidence but repeating them would always be difficult due to greater Pakistani vigilance and consequent loss of surprise.

Thus what we witnessed after 14 Feb 2019 when the Pulwama outrage occurred were a couple of important things. First, the progressive cumulative experience gained over 20 years and especially the lessons learnt in the last three years greatly helped in analysing and calibrating the national response. The escalatory ladder was climbed some notches higher by opting for air power.&nbsp;

The options hereafter for India are many but careful calibration with the diplomatic domain will enhance the strategic effect of the decisions. This being a hybrid conflict situation strategic leaders cannot ignore the various domains in play, the psychological being one of the more important among those. That has been Pakistan’s forte but it’s good to see some effective steps in this domain on the Indian side too.

We have not seen the end of escalation in the current crisis. Each action, statement or decision to act turns the screw of coercion taking escalation to a higher level. De-escalation can similarly be achieved without losing the strategic advantage gained. The Pakistan decision to release Wg Cdr Abhinandan is a de-escalation move but its effect will need to be examined in the light of Indian strategy and objectives laid out. Sticking to that strategy to achieve the terminal result is the key to this game.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-escalation-spiral-in-stand-off-2725453">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war.

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war. Only if there is a war on such scale can nuclear red lines come into play. However, Pakistani leadership has a propensity to play mind games using the nuclear option even at the early period of the escalatory spiral. There are far too many imponderables in the spiral but more importantly, there is also a lack of informed understanding about some of the issues involved here. Television anchors and even some analysts have been quick to incorrectly surmise that in the past there was a lack of combined political and military will to retaliate against triggers caused willfully by terrorists under the sponsorship of Pakistan’s Deep State. While not taking away anything from the bold decision of the current Indian government to employ surgical precision air strikes against terrorist facilities after the Pulwama outrage, with all the risk involved in a military action which could have also gone wrong, it is also true that in the past the circumstances were different. Many lessons were learnt through these years and the same are today being applied at the strategic and operational level with cumulative experience. The present Indian government itself has gained much experience through three incidents between 2016 and 2019. In 1999 the NDA government responded strongly and decisively to the Kargil intrusion, taking the engagement to its culmination through a combined military-diplomatic campaign. The trigger caused by the 13 Dec 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the symbol of its democracy, sufficiently irked the government and the people to lead the government to escalate its response many notches higher. It ordered general mobilisation and deployed the Army at the borders for almost a year awaiting launch. It wasn’t the lack of political will or military reluctance but the unique circumstance of the early presence of the US armed forces in the Af Pak region to fight the Taliban and the Al Qaida that forced the Indian leadership to abjure from military engagement in retribution against the Pakistan support for the terror attack on Parliament. The 26/11 Mumbai attack caused immense casualties and hit India’s self-esteem too. While the government considered all options for a response right up to the stage of the potential war, there was comparatively much lesser public pressure due to lack of social media and poor internet penetration at that time. The decibels on India’s electronic visual media were then of a lower order in comparison to today’s cacophony which passes as strategic debate. It was also just after the unsuccessful backroom diplomacy between the two nations in pursuance of the Four Point Formula of Parvez Musharaf; the temperature of the security environment had considerably cooled and the ceasefire was contributing majorly to confidence building. Under the circumstances, it was perhaps a difficult call. The Pathankot attack was the current government’s first major challenge in the strategic sub-conventional domain. While the situation in Kashmir was none too stable, PM Modi’s attempts at transforming the process of relations between India and Pakistan had created positive vibes. In fact, the PM’s visit to Lahore on Christmas 2015 had contributed to the improving trust as much had the NSA’s talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Thus when Pathankot happened within seven days of the Lahore visit it was more of a shock to the political leadership on both sides. Joint investigation and evidence gathering started early to offset any possibility of the terror act being exploited to trigger an escalatory spiral. The patience, of course, was running thin and something more was expected early enough. The Uri terror attack on 18 Sept 2016 was against an army formation headquarters on our side of the Line of Control but led to the death of 20 soldiers; sufficient trigger for a response was perceived by decision makers who then started to feel that without sufficiency of counter threats the Deep State would continue to feel emboldened to repeat its strikes. There is an erroneous perception among many, that the post-Uri surgical strikes were designed to deter Pakistan and the terrorists. In fact, it was only messaging that India was attempting and the risk involved was comparatively low. The messaging was to convey that India had the political will and military capability to strike each time Pakistan chose to up the ante through a terror attack in India. The 2016 trans-LoC surgical strikes gave the Indian government the necessary experience and confidence but repeating them would always be difficult due to greater Pakistani vigilance and consequent loss of surprise. Thus what we witnessed after 14 Feb 2019 when the Pulwama outrage occurred were a couple of important things. First, the progressive cumulative experience gained over 20 years and especially the lessons learnt in the last three years greatly helped in analysing and calibrating the national response. The escalatory ladder was climbed some notches higher by opting for air power. The options hereafter for India are many but careful calibration with the diplomatic domain will enhance the strategic effect of the decisions. This being a hybrid conflict situation strategic leaders cannot ignore the various domains in play, the psychological being one of the more important among those. That has been Pakistan’s forte but it’s good to see some effective steps in this domain on the Indian side too. We have not seen the end of escalation in the current crisis. Each action, statement or decision to act turns the screw of coercion taking escalation to a higher level. De-escalation can similarly be achieved without losing the strategic advantage gained. The Pakistan decision to release Wg Cdr Abhinandan is a de-escalation move but its effect will need to be examined in the light of Indian strategy and objectives laid out. Sticking to that strategy to achieve the terminal result is the key to this game. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama aftermath: Pakistan has a propensity to play mind games

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, &nbsp;stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises. But, this time, I will pen down my thoughts because of the extraordinary nature of the crisis that the two arch antagonists got embroiled into.&nbsp;

The convoluted nature of the relationship is well known but over a period of time, it corresponded to the dynamic of a “no war, no peace” one. That is, neither war nor piece obtained between India and Pakistan. This grey zone held till the Pulwama attacks whose aftermath brought both to the brink of war. Even though it is an inexact parallel but the preceding days till now bore a resemblance, in a different permutation, combination and context to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This particular crisis occurred after a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the deployment of missiles in Cuba and elsewhere during the Cold War. The tense standoff which lasted thirteen days, and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, was staved off by deft and astute leadership and statecraft. &nbsp;War was averted and the world moved on.&nbsp;

Fifty-seven years have elapsed since the Cuban Missile Crisis but the lessons still hold with great alacrity and poignancy, especially with respect to relations between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed antagonists who, as the contemporary crisis demonstrates all too eloquently, can bring the South Asian region and, by extension, the world, to war. It does not matter what strategic doctrine governs their nuclear weapons architecture and their use; nor does the fact that there is some disparity in the number of these weapons that each country has, accord relief. If and when there is war between the two, it will be nuclear and it will devastate. This very fact is sobering and should concentrate the minds of powers that be across the fault line and divide.&nbsp;

I will make a bit of a digression here and dwell on the nature of war with a personal anecdote. In the late nineties, when I was twenty-something, after my clumsy and amateur reading of Von Clausewitz, the Prussian theorist of war, I blurted out his dictum that, “War is a continuation of politics by other means” to my inimitable Australian mentor. &nbsp;The sagacious man replied that “all war is bad politics”. While I could not entirely grasp the thrust of what my mentor had said but I understand and realise it all too clearly now.

While the nature of war has changed radically over the years and there is no such thing as “total war” now but its potency and destructive capacity has increased manifold. This accrues from nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, among other things. Yes, there are deterrence paradigms and mechanisms in place whose logic suggests that there are both real and implied red lines that might not be crossed in the event of crises but deterrence, at the end of the day, is a human construct. Being fallible and emotional, the most robust of these paradigms can break down under moments of intense stress and duress, a condition that may have been arrived at in the standoff between India and Pakistan post-Pulwama.

If things reached such a pass, how, the question is was war averted?

The answer might lie in the nature of international politics and relations. Both India and Pakistan state&nbsp;do not operate in a vacuum; they exist in an international system and structure that is somewhat prone to war but looks askance at it. The sequence of events after Pulwama alarmed the international community enough to lean perhaps both on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and not to cross a certain threshold. Both countries through limited probes or call it if you may, sorties, had made their points which they could present to their respective domestic audiences and they could go back to the dressing rooms, so to speak. But, the international community’s cautions or even warnings of restraint are premised on stability, regional and otherwise, than anything else. From a generic and a rather abstract perspective, the international system and structure, kicked in and leant on India and Pakistan because it prizes and values stability. It is not beholden to any human or humanitarian consideration. Being parts and constituents of this system and structure, India and Pakistan had to yield. But, all things considered and given the nature of the relations between the two countries, the international system’s and community’s caution against war and the hiatus engendered by this is a temporary palliative. War can and might break out between the arch adversaries anytime. What then is the real and lasting antidote to it?

&nbsp;The answer here lies in the elevation and primacy of the political and the diplomatic over military options. Counter-intuitively but fortuitously, an opening of sorts has been provided by the capture of an IAF pilot and the offer of his release by Pakistan. This serendipitous offering must be grabbed head on and then capitalised on. It will or can serve two objectives: in the realm of immediacy, it can defuse the current crisis and help deescalate and it can lead to a dynamic where statecraft and sagacious diplomacy become the operative dynamic between India and Pakistan. But, &nbsp;to be long lasting and for durable peace to hold, &nbsp;both countries must understand the causal loops and linkages that actually bring them to crisis points and then firmly untangle and deal with these. They must forget Clausewitz and take heed to the wise words of my Australian mentor!

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises.

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises. But, this time, I will pen down my thoughts because of the extraordinary nature of the crisis that the two arch antagonists got embroiled into. The convoluted nature of the relationship is well known but over a period of time, it corresponded to the dynamic of a “no war, no peace” one. That is, neither war nor piece obtained between India and Pakistan. This grey zone held till the Pulwama attacks whose aftermath brought both to the brink of war. Even though it is an inexact parallel but the preceding days till now bore a resemblance, in a different permutation, combination and context to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This particular crisis occurred after a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the deployment of missiles in Cuba and elsewhere during the Cold War. The tense standoff which lasted thirteen days, and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, was staved off by deft and astute leadership and statecraft. War was averted and the world moved on. Fifty-seven years have elapsed since the Cuban Missile Crisis but the lessons still hold with great alacrity and poignancy, especially with respect to relations between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed antagonists who, as the contemporary crisis demonstrates all too eloquently, can bring the South Asian region and, by extension, the world, to war. It does not matter what strategic doctrine governs their nuclear weapons architecture and their use; nor does the fact that there is some disparity in the number of these weapons that each country has, accord relief. If and when there is war between the two, it will be nuclear and it will devastate. This very fact is sobering and should concentrate the minds of powers that be across the fault line and divide. I will make a bit of a digression here and dwell on the nature of war with a personal anecdote. In the late nineties, when I was twenty-something, after my clumsy and amateur reading of Von Clausewitz, the Prussian theorist of war, I blurted out his dictum that, “War is a continuation of politics by other means” to my inimitable Australian mentor. The sagacious man replied that “all war is bad politics”. While I could not entirely grasp the thrust of what my mentor had said but I understand and realise it all too clearly now. While the nature of war has changed radically over the years and there is no such thing as “total war” now but its potency and destructive capacity has increased manifold. This accrues from nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, among other things. Yes, there are deterrence paradigms and mechanisms in place whose logic suggests that there are both real and implied red lines that might not be crossed in the event of crises but deterrence, at the end of the day, is a human construct. Being fallible and emotional, the most robust of these paradigms can break down under moments of intense stress and duress, a condition that may have been arrived at in the standoff between India and Pakistan post-Pulwama. If things reached such a pass, how, the question is was war averted? The answer might lie in the nature of international politics and relations. Both India and Pakistan state do not operate in a vacuum; they exist in an international system and structure that is somewhat prone to war but looks askance at it. The sequence of events after Pulwama alarmed the international community enough to lean perhaps both on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and not to cross a certain threshold. Both countries through limited probes or call it if you may, sorties, had made their points which they could present to their respective domestic audiences and they could go back to the dressing rooms, so to speak. But, the international community’s cautions or even warnings of restraint are premised on stability, regional and otherwise, than anything else. From a generic and a rather abstract perspective, the international system and structure, kicked in and leant on India and Pakistan because it prizes and values stability. It is not beholden to any human or humanitarian consideration. Being parts and constituents of this system and structure, India and Pakistan had to yield. But, all things considered and given the nature of the relations between the two countries, the international system’s and community’s caution against war and the hiatus engendered by this is a temporary palliative. War can and might break out between the arch adversaries anytime. What then is the real and lasting antidote to it? The answer here lies in the elevation and primacy of the political and the diplomatic over military options. Counter-intuitively but fortuitously, an opening of sorts has been provided by the capture of an IAF pilot and the offer of his release by Pakistan. This serendipitous offering must be grabbed head on and then capitalised on. It will or can serve two objectives: in the realm of immediacy, it can defuse the current crisis and help deescalate and it can lead to a dynamic where statecraft and sagacious diplomacy become the operative dynamic between India and Pakistan. But, to be long lasting and for durable peace to hold, both countries must understand the causal loops and linkages that actually bring them to crisis points and then firmly untangle and deal with these. They must forget Clausewitz and take heed to the wise words of my Australian mentor! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India-Pakistan standoff and the pity of war

India's cricket board has said that the&nbsp;final two One-Day International matches against Australia in Mohali and Delhi will not be shifted.&nbsp;

There were reports that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI)&nbsp;is&nbsp;discussing to&nbsp;shift the venues&nbsp;in the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The reports added BCCI&nbsp;was considering taking the last two ODIs out of the northern region.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;the cricket board's acting president CK Khanna turned down the media reports.&nbsp;

The fourth ODI in Mohali is scheduled on March 10 while the fifth game at Delhi will be held on March 13.&nbsp;

"There is certainly no such plan to shift any of the games from their original venues. I can confirm that both ODIs in Mohali and Delhi, is happening as per schedule," Khanna said.&nbsp;

"As far as a back up venue is concerned, the BCCI always has alternate arrangements in place in case a venue expresses its inability to hold a game. It was nice of Saurashtra to put their hand up but as of now, it will not be necessary," Khanna confirmed.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Earlier, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.&nbsp;

It came 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.&nbsp;

Following the bombing of the JeM training camp, the Pakistan Air Force carried out retaliatory aerial combat, unsuccessfully targeting several Indian military installations.&nbsp;

India's cricket board has said that the final two One-Day International matches against Australia in Mohali and Delhi will not be shifted. There were reports that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is discussing to shift the venues in the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan.

India's cricket board has said that the final two One-Day International matches against Australia in Mohali and Delhi will not be shifted. There were reports that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is discussing to shift the venues in the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan. The reports added BCCI was considering taking the last two ODIs out of the northern region. But the cricket board's acting president CK Khanna turned down the media reports. The fourth ODI in Mohali is scheduled on March 10 while the fifth game at Delhi will be held on March 13. "There is certainly no such plan to shift any of the games from their original venues. I can confirm that both ODIs in Mohali and Delhi, is happening as per schedule," Khanna said. "As far as a back up venue is concerned, the BCCI always has alternate arrangements in place in case a venue expresses its inability to hold a game. It was nice of Saurashtra to put their hand up but as of now, it will not be necessary," Khanna confirmed. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Earlier, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. Following the bombing of the JeM training camp, the Pakistan Air Force carried out retaliatory aerial combat, unsuccessfully targeting several Indian military installations.

BCCI not to shift ODI matches from Mohali, Delhi

India vs Pakistan: A history of conflict

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup.&nbsp;

Taking to his twitter handle, Sachin urged his friend and former teammate Sourav not to justify his statement.

As per several media reports, Ganguly had reacted on Tendulkar's comments on the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, saying he would rather want the title than worrying about losing two points.

Sourav's comments came after Sachin backed the game, despite the recent Pulwama terror attack that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers, and strongly echoed that he would hate to give Pakistan two points and help them advance in the tournament. &nbsp;

“India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament,” said Tendulkar

But earlier in the day, Sourav also took to his Twitter to justify his statement saying his comments 'were not against Sachin'. Ganguly further stressed that Sachin has been his friend for last 25 years and will be in future also.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Never felt the need for you to justify. Strongly believe that all of us want what’s best for our nation. <a href="https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh">https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1099684997705785345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tendulkar had endorsed Sunil Gavaskar's view that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16, while, Ganguly had called for severing all sporting ties with the neighbouring country. 
&nbsp;

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup. Taking to his twitter handle, Sachin urged his friend and former teammate Sourav not to justify his statement. As per several media reports, Ganguly had reacted on Tendulkar's comments on the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, saying he would rather want the title than worrying about losing two points. Sourav's comments came after Sachin backed the game, despite the recent Pulwama terror attack that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers, and strongly echoed that he would hate to give Pakistan two points and help them advance in the tournament. “India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament,” said Tendulkar But earlier in the day, Sourav also took to his Twitter to justify his statement saying his comments 'were not against Sachin'. Ganguly further stressed that Sachin has been his friend for last 25 years and will be in future also. Never felt the need for you to justify. Strongly believe that all of us want what’s best for our nation. https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 24, 2019 × Tendulkar had endorsed Sunil Gavaskar's view that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16, while, Ganguly had called for severing all sporting ties with the neighbouring country.

India vs Pakistan: Sachin Tendulkar shuts down trolls over Sourav Ganguly's comment, urges him not to 'justify'

Will India play Pak at World Cup? Who is saying what

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.&nbsp;

There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pulwama">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-writes-letter-to-icc-to-express-concerns-over-security-of-indian-players-heading-into-world-cup-199011">BCCI has already written a letter</a> to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates".&nbsp;

But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final.&nbsp;

"We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI.&nbsp;

"As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated.&nbsp;

"I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said.&nbsp;

The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai.&nbsp;

The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion.&nbsp;

"The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said.&nbsp;

When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level.&nbsp; 
"It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said.&nbsp;

Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off.&nbsp;

However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid. There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The BCCI has already written a letter to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates". But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final. "We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI. "As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated. "I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said. The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai. The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion. "The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said. When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level. "It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said. Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off. However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final. On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals. Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."

Pakistan should be isolated like it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pulwama">lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a> on February 14.&nbsp;

Lately, in the wake of the ghastly terror, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan.&nbsp;

While speaking on the eve of a bilateral series against Australia, Kohli&nbsp;addressed the spiralling issue. He said, "Our stand is simple. We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do and that is basically our opinion."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

"Whatever the government and the board decide, we will eventually go by that and will respect that. So that is our stand on this particular issue," Kohli added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Virat Kohli on Ind Vs Pak in World Cup says, "Our sincere condolences to the families of CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a>. We stand by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do." <a href="https://t.co/gjyJ9qDxts">pic.twitter.com/gjyJ9qDxts</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099195076050337792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kohli's stand is pretty similar to what chief coach Ravi Shastri echoed in an interview to a television channel where he said that the team will "accept whatever decision that the government takes."

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates".&nbsp;

India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.&nbsp;

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. Lately, in the wake of the ghastly terror, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan. While speaking on the eve of a bilateral series against Australia, Kohli addressed the spiralling issue. He said, "Our stand is simple. We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do and that is basically our opinion." Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash "Whatever the government and the board decide, we will eventually go by that and will respect that. So that is our stand on this particular issue," Kohli added. #WATCH Virat Kohli on Ind Vs Pak in World Cup says, "Our sincere condolences to the families of CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in #PulwamaAttack. We stand by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do." pic.twitter.com/gjyJ9qDxts — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2019 × Kohli's stand is pretty similar to what chief coach Ravi Shastri echoed in an interview to a television channel where he said that the team will "accept whatever decision that the government takes." The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates". India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.

Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written a letter to cricket's global governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) to express concerns over the security of Indian players heading into the World Cup.&nbsp;

In the wake of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates".&nbsp;

India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.&nbsp;

The letter read:

"BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail (including United Kingdom) have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India.&nbsp;

The BCCI trusts that the ICC and ECB will ensure that the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup.&nbsp;

The BCCI also wishes to express its concerns over the safety and security of the fans of Indian cricket at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. 

The BCCI trust the ICC and ECB will ensure that most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup."

It was a foregone conclusion that CoA would not take any decision on the matter as the ICC can't ban Pakistan as per rules.

It is understood that BCCI officials are also concerned that such a stand might cost them the hosting rights of the 2021 Champions Trophy and the 2023 World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written a letter to cricket's global governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) to express concerns over the security of Indian players heading into the World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written a letter to cricket's global governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) to express concerns over the security of Indian players heading into the World Cup. In the wake of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates". India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup. The letter read: "BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail (including United Kingdom) have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India. The BCCI trusts that the ICC and ECB will ensure that the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup. The BCCI also wishes to express its concerns over the safety and security of the fans of Indian cricket at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The BCCI trust the ICC and ECB will ensure that most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup." It was a foregone conclusion that CoA would not take any decision on the matter as the ICC can't ban Pakistan as per rules. It is understood that BCCI officials are also concerned that such a stand might cost them the hosting rights of the 2021 Champions Trophy and the 2023 World Cup.

BCCI writes letter to ICC to express concerns over security of Indian players heading into World Cup

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA)&nbsp;Vinod Rai has said that no decision has yet been taken on India's World Cup match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

There have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan following a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pulwama">terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a> last week that killed over 40&nbsp;Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.&nbsp;

In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now.&nbsp;

"We will express concerns to ICC. We are in talks with government on scheduled India-Pakistan clash in World Cup." said CoA chief Vinod Rai.&nbsp;

India&nbsp;are&nbsp;scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.&nbsp;

"16th June is very far away. We will take a call on that much later and in consultations with the government," he said.&nbsp;

Vinod Rai also&nbsp;mentioned that BCCI will draft a letter to&nbsp;game's global governing body&nbsp;asking them that should ban Pakistan from participating in the 2019 World Cup.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-lose-by-not-playing-pak-in-world-cup-says-gavaskar-urges-imran-khan-to-act-198739">India lose by not playing Pak in World Cup, says Gavaskar; urges Imran Khan to act</a>

"We will write to ICC expressing our concerns about attacks that took place and that security of players, officials and everybody else must be taken care of."

"We're telling the cricketing community that in future we must sever ties with nations from where terror emanates," said Vinod Rai.&nbsp;

The bilateral cricketing ties between the two countries have already been suspended since 2012 and the teams last played a full series in 2007.

Recently, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said India doesn't need to revive any sort of sporting ties with Pakistan as a mark of respect for the armed forces.&nbsp;

"I don't think India should play the World Cup match against Pakistan. Country comes first and we are all standing behind our country. Cricket or hockey or sports, it should be kept aside because this is a huge thing and repeatedly our soldiers are killed," said&nbsp;Harbhajan.&nbsp;

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai has said that no decision has yet been taken on India's World Cup match against Pakistan.

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai has said that no decision has yet been taken on India's World Cup match against Pakistan. There have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama last week that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now. "We will express concerns to ICC. We are in talks with government on scheduled India-Pakistan clash in World Cup." said CoA chief Vinod Rai. India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup. "16th June is very far away. We will take a call on that much later and in consultations with the government," he said. Vinod Rai also mentioned that BCCI will draft a letter to game's global governing body asking them that should ban Pakistan from participating in the 2019 World Cup. Also Read: India lose by not playing Pak in World Cup, says Gavaskar; urges Imran Khan to act "We will write to ICC expressing our concerns about attacks that took place and that security of players, officials and everybody else must be taken care of." "We're telling the cricketing community that in future we must sever ties with nations from where terror emanates," said Vinod Rai. The bilateral cricketing ties between the two countries have already been suspended since 2012 and the teams last played a full series in 2007. Recently, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said India doesn't need to revive any sort of sporting ties with Pakistan as a mark of respect for the armed forces. "I don't think India should play the World Cup match against Pakistan. Country comes first and we are all standing behind our country. Cricket or hockey or sports, it should be kept aside because this is a huge thing and repeatedly our soldiers are killed," said Harbhajan.

No decision yet on India's World Cup match against Pak, will tell countries to sever ties with nations where terror emanates: CoA chief Vinod Rai

The International Cricket Council is confident the June 16 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-sources-on-india-playing-pak-at-cricket-world-cup-will-not-play-if-government-does-not-want-us-to-198443">World Cup match between Indian and Pakistan </a>will go ahead despite last week's attack claimed by Pakistan-based militants on Indian forces in disputed Kashmir, chief executive David Richardson has said.

A suicide bomber on Thursday attacked a paramilitary police convoy in India's Kashmir, killing at least 40 in the deadliest single assault on Indian forces in 30 years of insurgency in the Muslim-majority region.

Angry Indian fans have demanded boycotting the marquee match in England though neither of the cricket boards has publicly expressed any such desire.&nbsp;

"Certainly there are no indications any of the matches, including the Pakistan-India match, will not be played as planned at the World Cup," ICC chief executive David Richardson told cricket website http://www.cricinfo.com

"But ... we will continue to monitor the situation."

However, some sources in BCCI have said&nbsp;India will not play Pakistan at the 2019&nbsp;World Cup if the government does not want them to.&nbsp;The sources said the "situation will get clearer after some time, a little closer to the World Cup. &nbsp;

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash at Old Trafford in Manchester in what would be one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches at the May 30-July 14 tournament.

More than 400,000 applications had been made for the 25,000 tickets available for the match, organisers said.

"To put that in perspective, England v Australia was around 230-240,000," World Cup tournament director Steve Elworthy told Cricinfo. "And the final was around about 260-270,000 applications for tickets.

"So that gives you a bit of perspective for the demand for this match.

"It's a big game."

The International Cricket Council is confident the June 16 World Cup match between Indian and Pakistan will go ahead despite last week's attack claimed by Pakistan-based militants on Indian forces in disputed Kashmir, chief executive David Richardson has said.

The International Cricket Council is confident the June 16 World Cup match between Indian and Pakistan will go ahead despite last week's attack claimed by Pakistan-based militants on Indian forces in disputed Kashmir, chief executive David Richardson has said. A suicide bomber on Thursday attacked a paramilitary police convoy in India's Kashmir, killing at least 40 in the deadliest single assault on Indian forces in 30 years of insurgency in the Muslim-majority region. Angry Indian fans have demanded boycotting the marquee match in England though neither of the cricket boards has publicly expressed any such desire. "Certainly there are no indications any of the matches, including the Pakistan-India match, will not be played as planned at the World Cup," ICC chief executive David Richardson told cricket website http://www.cricinfo.com "But ... we will continue to monitor the situation." However, some sources in BCCI have said India will not play Pakistan at the 2019 World Cup if the government does not want them to. The sources said the "situation will get clearer after some time, a little closer to the World Cup. Bitter rivals India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash at Old Trafford in Manchester in what would be one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches at the May 30-July 14 tournament. More than 400,000 applications had been made for the 25,000 tickets available for the match, organisers said. "To put that in perspective, England v Australia was around 230-240,000," World Cup tournament director Steve Elworthy told Cricinfo. "And the final was around about 260-270,000 applications for tickets. "So that gives you a bit of perspective for the demand for this match. "It's a big game."

ICC expects India-Pakistan game to go through despite tensions

Amid calls for boycott, the clamour for tickets for the marquee ODI World Cup clash between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-expects-india-pakistan-game-to-go-through-despite-tensions-198455">India and Pakistan</a> in Manchester on June 16 has reached a crescendo, with more than 400,000 applicants for the 25,000 seater Old Trafford stadium.

Top India cricketers like Harbhajan Singh has called for a boycott of the Pakistan group league encounter while veterans such as Chetan Chauhan wants India to put pressure on ICC by threatening to boycott the whole event.

ICC World Cup tournament director Steve Elworthy, during a promotional event in London, said that demand for tickets for the Indo-Pak group league clash is way more than Australia vs England game or the final at the Lord's.

"That particular game (India vs Pakistan), we had over 400,000 applications for tickets, which is an incredible number. The stadium (Old Trafford) only holds 25,000 people.

So there are a number of disappointed people. That's just locally, but (there is also) the audience globally," Elworthy was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

In fact, the former South African pacer then provided the numbers which is an indication that how much the match means for world cricket's governing body.

"To put that (number) in perspective, England vs Australia was around 230-240,000. And the final was around about 260-270,000 applications for tickets. So that gives you a bit of perspective for the demand for this match (India v Pakistan). It's a big game. They could end up playing each other in the final (too), you never know."

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, in a statement to PTI on Tuesday, had said that "there is no indication that any (of the) matches at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will not go ahead as planned," even as they monitor the situation.&nbsp;

Amid calls for boycott, the clamour for tickets for the marquee ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Manchester on June 16 has reached a crescendo, with more than 400,000 applicants for the 25,000 seater Old Trafford stadium.

Amid calls for boycott, the clamour for tickets for the marquee ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Manchester on June 16 has reached a crescendo, with more than 400,000 applicants for the 25,000 seater Old Trafford stadium. Top India cricketers like Harbhajan Singh has called for a boycott of the Pakistan group league encounter while veterans such as Chetan Chauhan wants India to put pressure on ICC by threatening to boycott the whole event. ICC World Cup tournament director Steve Elworthy, during a promotional event in London, said that demand for tickets for the Indo-Pak group league clash is way more than Australia vs England game or the final at the Lord's. "That particular game (India vs Pakistan), we had over 400,000 applications for tickets, which is an incredible number. The stadium (Old Trafford) only holds 25,000 people. So there are a number of disappointed people. That's just locally, but (there is also) the audience globally," Elworthy was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo. In fact, the former South African pacer then provided the numbers which is an indication that how much the match means for world cricket's governing body. "To put that (number) in perspective, England vs Australia was around 230-240,000. And the final was around about 260-270,000 applications for tickets. So that gives you a bit of perspective for the demand for this match (India v Pakistan). It's a big game. They could end up playing each other in the final (too), you never know." ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, in a statement to PTI on Tuesday, had said that "there is no indication that any (of the) matches at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will not go ahead as planned," even as they monitor the situation.

World Cup 2019: We had 4 lakh ticket applicants for India-Pak match, claims event director

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday congratulated Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his team for their historic test series win in Australia.&nbsp;

Imran, who is also the World Cup winning captain for Pakistan, took to his Twitter handle to extend his wishes to the Indian team and cricket fans.

"Congratulations to Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team for the first ever win by a subcontinent team in a test series in Australia," Imran tweeted.

Virat Kohli-led side ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory Down Under. Their 2-1 victory was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground early on Monday afternoon. 
&nbsp; 
In the fourth and final test, India opted to bat and scored a mammoth 622-7 declared total in the first innings.&nbsp;

The hosts were duly dismissed for 300 and Kohli did not hesitate to go for the jugular by enforcing the follow-on -- the first time in 30 years Australia had suffered such ignominy on home soil.

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Congratulations to Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team for the first ever win by a subcontinent team in a test series in Australia
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1082518483756298240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ultimately, it was the Sydney weather that saved Australia from a 3-1 humiliation with no play possible after tea on day four, when they had mustered up six runs without loss in their second innings.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday congratulated Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his team for their historic test series win in Australia. Imran, who is also the World Cup winning captain for Pakistan, took to his Twitter handle to extend his wishes to the Indian team and cricket fans.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday congratulated Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his team for their historic test series win in Australia. Imran, who is also the World Cup winning captain for Pakistan, took to his Twitter handle to extend his wishes to the Indian team and cricket fans. "Congratulations to Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team for the first ever win by a subcontinent team in a test series in Australia," Imran tweeted. Virat Kohli-led side ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory Down Under. Their 2-1 victory was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground early on Monday afternoon. In the fourth and final test, India opted to bat and scored a mammoth 622-7 declared total in the first innings. The hosts were duly dismissed for 300 and Kohli did not hesitate to go for the jugular by enforcing the follow-on -- the first time in 30 years Australia had suffered such ignominy on home soil. Congratulations to Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team for the first ever win by a subcontinent team in a test series in Australia — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2019 × Ultimately, it was the Sydney weather that saved Australia from a 3-1 humiliation with no play possible after tea on day four, when they had mustered up six runs without loss in their second innings.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan congratulates Virat Kohli and team India for 'first ever win' in Test series in Australia

Doubts over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-why-pakistans-hockey-world-cup-participation-in-doubt-176181">Pakistan's participation</a> in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.&nbsp;

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020.

The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey.&nbsp;

"It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said.

"Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added.

Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount.&nbsp;

The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.

The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said.

The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request.&nbsp;

Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps.

The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020. The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey. "It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said. "Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added. Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount. The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup. The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan. "Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said. The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request. Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps. The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

World Cup doubts over as Pakistan hockey finally finds sponsor

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.&nbsp;

Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103.&nbsp;

With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home.&nbsp;

However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles.

That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter.&nbsp;

The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus.

So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings.

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A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3">https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3</a> <a href="https://t.co/odHL9WqQBh">pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh</a>
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The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav.

The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp.

Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar.

The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153.

Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand.

Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs.

Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday. Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103. With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home. However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles. That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter. The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus. So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings. A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of #WT20 to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.#NZvIND REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3 pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh — ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 9, 2018 × The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav. The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp. Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar. The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153. Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand. Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs. Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

Women's World T20 2018: India start firm favourites against Pakistan

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.&nbsp;

Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done.

The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners.&nbsp;

India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games.&nbsp;

Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points.&nbsp;

India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. 
It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.&nbsp;

For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011.&nbsp;

Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here. Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done. The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners. India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games. Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points. India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011. Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Asian Champions Trophy: India, Pakistan share title as match called off due to heavy rain

Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup.&nbsp;

But this time it will be for the final spot.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in front of a capacity crowd, the sub-continent neighbours resumed their cricket-rivalry with India thumping Pakistan by 8 wickets in a group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The game was the first between the two teams since Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final of ICC Champions Trophy at London's Oval in June last year.

However, an all-round performance from the Men In Blue ensured an easy victory with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Kedar Jadhav clinching three wickets each while skipper Rohit Sharma playing a crucial knock of 52 during India’s chase.&nbsp;

Pakistan, who brought what was regarded as their strongest squad to the Asia Cup, failed to deliver both in batting and bowling department.

&nbsp;The team's performance seemed like a mixture of nervousness mixed with a degree of incompetence.&nbsp;

After the opening partnership yielded very little, it was down to Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to provide some semblance of respectability. And they surely did, taking Pakistan's score from 3 to 85 runs.&nbsp;

The two were strong but Kuldeep Yadav's googly broke the partnership to dismiss Azam for 47 runs.&nbsp;

However, his progress in ODIs is indeed one of the greatest positives in Pakistan cricket at the moment as his batting continued to show why the faith in his abilities by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is fully justified.&nbsp;

His stroke-play and excellent temperament are improving with every innings and he was one of very few bright spots against India.&nbsp;

Malik, for his part, is the only survivor of the ‘veteran’ pack. His 43 under trying circumstances once again displayed his importance in a team that has a shortage of experienced players.

Likewise, Pakistani speedsters, who failed to deplete the Indian batting line-up, are expected to enter the ground with a different strategy.

And as said, cricket cannot afford the same mistake, and hence Pakistan will come back strong and this is something India has to take seriously despite having an edge over the neighbours.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
 
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Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup.

Pakistan will be seething for revenge and hopefully, India will face a more intense contest on September 23, the second time when the two teams will battle it out in the Asia Cup. But this time it will be for the final spot. On Wednesday, in front of a capacity crowd, the sub-continent neighbours resumed their cricket-rivalry with India thumping Pakistan by 8 wickets in a group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The game was the first between the two teams since Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final of ICC Champions Trophy at London's Oval in June last year. However, an all-round performance from the Men In Blue ensured an easy victory with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Kedar Jadhav clinching three wickets each while skipper Rohit Sharma playing a crucial knock of 52 during India’s chase. Pakistan, who brought what was regarded as their strongest squad to the Asia Cup, failed to deliver both in batting and bowling department. The team's performance seemed like a mixture of nervousness mixed with a degree of incompetence. After the opening partnership yielded very little, it was down to Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to provide some semblance of respectability. And they surely did, taking Pakistan's score from 3 to 85 runs. The two were strong but Kuldeep Yadav's googly broke the partnership to dismiss Azam for 47 runs. However, his progress in ODIs is indeed one of the greatest positives in Pakistan cricket at the moment as his batting continued to show why the faith in his abilities by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is fully justified. His stroke-play and excellent temperament are improving with every innings and he was one of very few bright spots against India. Malik, for his part, is the only survivor of the ‘veteran’ pack. His 43 under trying circumstances once again displayed his importance in a team that has a shortage of experienced players. Likewise, Pakistani speedsters, who failed to deplete the Indian batting line-up, are expected to enter the ground with a different strategy. And as said, cricket cannot afford the same mistake, and hence Pakistan will come back strong and this is something India has to take seriously despite having an edge over the neighbours. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 Opinion: India vs Pakistan - why it won't be another one-sided affair

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