Image Credit [The National]

India’s cricket team could boycott their match with Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup in England and Wales this summer. 

Doubts around whether the game will be played have emerged following a suicide attack in India-administered Kashmir, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based militants.

The two countries are scheduled to meet on the 16th June in England. India have won six consecutive matches against Pakistan at previous World Cups.

At least 46 Indian paramilitary police were killed in an attack which has sparked great anger and protests across India, although the Pakistan government has denied any involvement, despite India’s claims that they have “incontrovertible evidence” that the Pakistani Authorities knew the terror attack was going to happen.

The Indian team have said they will stand by the government’s and the BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) decision over whether to boycott the game. 

India’s Captain, Virat Kohli, has spoken out to say that the team are “really sad with what happened” and they will “stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do.”

Sachin Tendulkar has also spoken out on Twitter to say that he wanted to “beat them once again” but will back “whatever my country decides.”

The BCCI has refused to take a stand on the matter and has said that it is up to the central government to make the final decision. 

However, the BCCI has told the ICC (International Cricket Council) that it fears for the safety of players during the World Cup and has urged them to “sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates.”

Also, following the attack, the International Olympic Committee has suspended applications from India to host future events and urged other international sports federations not to stage competitions in India, until the government has provided “clear written guarantees” to ensure access for all athletes, after two Pakistani athletes were denied visas to compete in New Delhi at a World Cup event.