"We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides" : Virat Kohli

[MenInG]

India captain Virat Kohli on Saturday said that his team will “respect the decision of the government” with regards to playing Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup in the wake of the Pulwama terror attacks where 44 CRPF personnel were martyred.

There has been calls to boycott the June 16 World Cup face-off against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in the aftermath of the dastardly attack but the Indian cricket board has not taken a call, putting the ball in government’s court.

“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,” skipper Kohli said on the eve of India’s opening T20 International against Australia on Sunday.

“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.

The captain offered his condolences on behalf of the entire Indian team to the families of the martyred soldiers. “Our sincere condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives. The Indian team is really shocked and sad about what happened.”

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.”

“It’s entirely left to the BCCI and the government. They know exactly what is happening and they will take a call. We will go by what they decide,” Shastri told Mirror Now.

“If the government says it’s that sensitive you do not need to play the World Cup, I will go by my government,” the head coach further said.

On Friday, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) run BCCI decided against taking any stand on the World Cup clash against Pakistan but urged the ICC and other nations to “sever ties” with countries from where “terrorism emanates”.

“The 16th of June is very far away. We will take a call on that much later and in consultation with the government,” CoA chief Vinod Rai had said on Friday

“We must sever ties with nations from which such terrorism emanates. We will express our concern on an appropriate forum,” Rai had further added.

There has been divided opinion among cricket fraternity with Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar urging India to play and beat Pakistan denying them any leeway in the tournament.

However, there are counter-views with another former skipper Sourav Ganguly and one of country’s top wicket-takers Harbhajan Singh calling for a boycott of sporting ties with the neighbouring country.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...e-stick-by-what-the-nation-wants-to-do-806369

 

[MenInG]

So Virat Kohli asking for a referendum on the issue ?

 

[pakistani pride]

In a country with over a billion people is there not a single individual to advise these folks to just zip it?

I mean do whatever makes you happy but first decide what you exactly want and then start talking about it.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

In a country with over a billion people is there not a single individual to advise these folks to just zip it?

I mean do whatever makes you happy but first decide what you exactly want and then start talking about it.

Surely there are Indians who are annoyed by this whole paranoia but they don't want to say an opinion and become a target of this media campaign.

As soon as someone says something: they will be labeled 'Pakistan supporter' which, according to Indian media, is same as being a terrorist sympathizer

Until the elections end, it will continue like this.

I just hope that mobs don't lynch some poor Kashmiri who is at a wrong place at a wrong time

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

In a country with over a billion people is there not a single individual to advise these folks to just zip it?

People are angry at those who don't say anything about this. It's something they can't ignore. Refusing to talk about it might become a bigger issue than if they do say something about it.

 

[Savak]

Have to say his statement has been the most level headed and as a cricketer he has to follow official policies.

However for India's own good, Narendra Modi must go otherwise Pakistan will not want anything to do with India in any capacity.

 

[saeed5646]

People are angry at those who don't say anything about this. It's something they can't ignore. Refusing to talk about it might become a bigger issue than if they do say something about it.

I hope MS is not in fire line .he is quite so far.....

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

I hope MS is not in fire line .he is quite so far.....

He doesn't do the press conferences now that Kohli is captain.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

However for India's own good, Narendra Modi must go otherwise Pakistan will not want anything to do with India in any capacity.

You say that like Pakistan is USA or China or something.

 

[saeed5646]

He doesn't do the press conferences now that Kohli is captain.

Obviously indian journalists are waiting to see him anywhere and ask this question .i am interested in his response he is criticised by india media for not speaking

 

[Bewal Express]

This is the Indian version of McCarthyism;They are looking for someone to lynch

 

[Major]

Level headed statement

Tendulkar could actually learn something from this guy

 

[Hasan123]

Kohli knows not to get involved in this. Sensible comments.

 

[JattMaula]

I hope MS is not in fire line .he is quite so far.....

MS is an honorary Lt. Col in Army and has trained with Para brigade.

 

[Suleiman]

Surpasses Tendulkar in yet another facet.

 

[lahoriyah1234]

You say that like Pakistan is USA or China or something.

Same applies to India, India is not America or China, that we need to listen to and listen to their garbage on the TV everyday. India need to behave themselves and their media need to talk with respect and if they are angry than atleast dont show it like mad people, talk with sensible tone, every show i have seen they invited Pak journalists or politicians, the tone they speak with is absolutely pathetic its like monkeys jumping in the circus. The way they were treating mona alam a journalisms was just completely a cowards attacking, not letting her speak, keep interrupting and Disrespectful behaviour.

 

[RainMan_]

Absolutely pathetic from BCCI. Keep politics out of sports idiots.

 

[RainMan_]

Kohli knows not to get involved in this. Sensible comments.

How is this a sensible comment. He just stated that he will have no problem with whatever BCCI decides regarding the ongoing matter no matter how wrong it is.

 

[Sirris]

In a country with over a billion people is there not a single individual to advise these folks to just zip it?

I mean do whatever makes you happy but first decide what you exactly want and then start talking about it.

It seens to me that expressing unpopular opinion and going against the grain in India is as dangerous as critically addressing sensitive religious issue in Pakistan.

 

[waleed88]

Good statement from Kohli

 

[Sadozai]

sensible statement by Kohli unlike Chahal

 

[Cric1234]

Surely there are Indians who are annoyed by this whole paranoia but they don't want to say an opinion and become a target of this media campaign.

As soon as someone says something: they will be labeled 'Pakistan supporter' which, according to Indian media, is same as being a terrorist sympathizer

Until the elections end, it will continue like this.

I just hope that mobs don't lynch some poor Kashmiri who is at a wrong place at a wrong time

Navjot Singh Sidhu did do that but was ousted from the show he was on and called out by news channels celebrities have been exposed for taking money to support politicians the way Pakistan was directly blamed and all that has been said and done should say everything as to what's wrong here.
If a terrorist attack happened in America by a Canadian national would they blame the whole country isolate it and cut business ties with it?
In Kashmir there are Pakistanis being hurt and killed will India condemn these attacks or only when it happens to their own its a disputed region terrorism is happening more in Pakistan you cannot isolate a whole nation there is no way the government supports terrorism in any form but it's an issue which needs to be dealt with it will take time especially in Kashmir.

 

[Hasan123]

How is this a sensible comment. He just stated that he will have no problem with whatever BCCI decides regarding the ongoing matter no matter how wrong it is.

Because he could have said don't play Pakistan.

 

[bantu]

Level headed statement

Tendulkar could actually learn something from this guy

Surpasses Tendulkar in yet another facet.

How is a statement which says “he will follow the BCCI/Government decision whatever it is” better than Sachin’s who said “we should play the game against Pakistan” ?!

 

[gazza619]

A very balanced and professional statement by Virat unlike the non sense we have been hearing.

 

[Pak Warrior]

Ofcourse every indian player will say they will follow the decision of their board. What other choice do they have?

 

[Kroll]

sensible statement by Kohli unlike Chahal

and Tendi

How is a statement which says “he will follow the BCCI/Government decision whatever it is” better than Sachin’s who said “we should play the game against Pakistan” ?!

That's partially what he said.

 

[Suleiman]

How is a statement which says “he will follow the BCCI/Government decision whatever it is” better than Sachin’s who said “we should play the game against Pakistan” ?!

Look at how he phrased it. I know any small criticism of Sachu isn’t taken lightly in India, but when you’re a public figure, what you say and how you say it is very important.

If he was an aam admi nobody would even bat an eye.

 

[bantu]

and Tendi



That's partially what he said.

Look at how he phrased it. I know any small criticism of Sachu isn’t taken lightly in India, but when you’re a public figure, what you say and how you say it is very important.

If he was an aam admi nobody would even bat an eye.

“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 in a statement to PTI.

"Having said that, for me India always comes first, so whatever my country decides, I will back that decision with all my heart," the legendary batsman added.

^^ This is what he said . So what’s wrong?

 

[Kroll]

“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 in a statement to PTI.

"Having said that, for me India always comes first, so whatever my country decides, I will back that decision with all my heart," the legendary batsman added.

^^ This is what he said . So what’s wrong?

Do you honestly believe with all the bonkers reaction going on in India, he would have said it like that, with the malice intended. If you do then

 

[Suleiman]

“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 in a statement to PTI.

"Having said that, for me India always comes first, so whatever my country decides, I will back that decision with all my heart," the legendary batsman added.

^^ This is what he said . So what’s wrong?

You can see the difference in how they both phrased it, I mean you quoted them yourself, I’m surprised it’s going over your head.

 

[SportsWarrior]

What else can he do? Drama artist

 

[SportsWarrior]

How is this a sensible comment. He just stated that he will have no problem with whatever BCCI decides regarding the ongoing matter no matter how wrong it is.

That is dumb. What else can he do? Make his own team and play pakistan? He is an employee of a corporation and will do what his management decides. Otherwise he is free to leave. He is what he is because of Indian cricket

 

[msb314]

How is a statement which says “he will follow the BCCI/Government decision whatever it is” better than Sachin’s who said “we should play the game against Pakistan” ?!

Because at the end of the day - it doesn’t matter what Kohli THINKS...

The only thing that matters is what the government of India and BCCI decide to do and so Kohli will have to follow orders.

He said things pragmatically and as they are sonit is a reasonable an neutral statement.

 

[Gullycricket]

Lol at people who are getting impressed by him.Just wait for 16 June when u will hear abuses and vulgar language from this guy

 

[moghul]

Under the current circumstances, this is the best answer he could come out with. Kapil Dev gave the same answer when asked and I like their response.

 

[msb314]

Lol at people who are getting impressed by him.Just wait for 16 June when u will hear abuses and vulgar language from this guy

He can say whatever he wants on the cricket field - honestly don’t care...

But in front of the media - you have to be neutral and politically correct

 

[MP2011]

Level headed statement

Tendulkar could actually learn something from this guy

Yeah, sure.

Looks like you guys have tendency to derive different meanings from virtually similar statements. What objectionable did Tendulkar say? That he wants Indian team to defeat Pakistan on cricket field! Come on!

I don’t know how is that offensive in any way especially in current climate where almost every Indian celebrity is indulging in creating war hysteria?

 

[Usman Chadda]

Lol at people who are getting impressed by him.Just wait for 16 June when u will hear abuses and vulgar language from this guy

I hope our lot are pumped up enough to return the favour. It's a game of cricket at the end of the day, but a 'fluke' will troll a population of a billion people and that's what they should be aiming for.

 

[Realromeo]

Kohli is aggressive, not stupid. He is just playing along to the music. What happens if we end up facing Pakistan in KO stage ? Forfeit ?

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Same applies to India, India is not America or China, that we need to listen to and listen to their garbage on the TV everyday.

It's not India's fault that Pakistani media covers India as much as they do.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

My respect for Kohli has gone further up.

Non controversial where he needs to be, always courteous off the field esp. to Pakistanis and aggressive on the field.

Good job.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol at people who are getting impressed by him.Just wait for 16 June when u will hear abuses and vulgar language from this guy

That’s how he plays on the field against any opposition. Should he change the way he behaves on the field because the opposition is Pakistan?

 

[jnaveen1980]

All Indian players have to walk a fine line here. It is hard to say something and not offend someone in this "either you are with us or against us" scenario. Retired players don't have to worry about anything.

 

[Abdul Moiz]

Understandable.

 

[bantu]

Yeah, sure.

Looks like you guys have tendency to derive different meanings from virtually similar statements. What objectionable did Tendulkar say? That he wants Indian team to defeat Pakistan on cricket field! Come on!

I don’t know how is that offensive in any way especially in current climate where almost every Indian celebrity is indulging in creating war hysteria?

Exactly .. This is what I was trying to point out as well .. People taking offense to Sachin saying let’s play the game and beat Pakistan instead of handing over 2 easy points by boycotting!

 

[Indiafan]

Level headed statement

Tendulkar could actually learn something from this guy

Surely you can see the difference between retired players commenting and current captain. This is India and bcci any player who talks with their heart will get severely punished..sehwag, ganguly, sachin, gambhir are retired and can day what they want. Kohli has to tow the bcci line (not COA)

 

[Kroll]

Exactly .. This is what I was trying to point out as well .. People taking offense to Sachin saying let’s play the game and beat Pakistan instead of handing over 2 easy points by boycotting!

Teenda can say whatever he likes but we're merely pointing out it's disrespectful. Man City probably thrash Huddersfield every time they play but you don't see Pep Guardiola come on chest thumping prior to the match saying it's time play play Huddersfield and beat them again.

What did Pakistan cricket team have to do with the outrage that was committed in Kashmir?

 

[PakLFC]

Duh! Naturally Kohli and his country have to do what the BCCI decide. He has no other option other then just that.

 

[PakLFC]

Now India is trying to have Pak banned from the coming WC or threatening to boycott the match. There are also rumours that they are threatening to boycott the tournament if their demands are not met! Most likely they will have to eat their words again.

 

[Darkrai]

I'm sure most people in India would stick by India if India decides to nuke some country or whatever horrible thing they do. That's how thing work there. If a celebrity call out India on its ** they have to apologizes everywhere they go and take back their words.

 

[Major]

Surely you can see the difference between retired players commenting and current captain. This is India and bcci any player who talks with their heart will get severely punished..sehwag, ganguly, sachin, gambhir are retired and can day what they want. Kohli has to tow the bcci line (not COA)

bro but still, if we look at the stature of Tendulkar the influence and the respect he has world wide, it would had been better had he not made the statement that he made

His statement was quite an offensive one, it wasn't one that promoted peace.

I dont care what Ganguly or some other player had to say, but due to Tendulkar's stature, his voice matters and had he conveyed a one which didn't promoted aggresiveness, it would had been better

Kohli could had said anything he wanted, he could had made comments that they have killed our soldiers and this and that, but he made a simple ssstaement.
If Tendulkar had only said that, that would had been enough

 

[IAJ]

This statement will hurt Arnab Goswami and his puppets. They want him to go out and say he will not play cricket against Pak, instead Virat has thrown the ball to court of BCCI and Gov. Was expected.

 

[IAJ]

Surely you can see the difference between retired players commenting and current captain. This is India and bcci any player who talks with their heart will get severely punished..sehwag, ganguly, sachin, gambhir are retired and can day what they want. Kohli has to tow the bcci line (not COA)

Has chawal, I mean chahal been punished by BCCI?

 

[Zeeraq]

Mohammad Kaif breaks his silence on whether India should boycott Pakistan from ICC World Cup 2019

As a result of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, there has been a huge outrage on social media with the fans demanding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the Men in Green at the ICC World Cup 2019 which will kick off in England from May 30 onwards. Days after the BCCI failed to take a stand on the matter, former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has broken his silence on the matter.

When asked whether India should boycott their neighbours in the showpiece event, Kaif, who was recently appointed as the assistant coach with Delhi Capitals, said, “Virat Kohli has said that government is going to take a call on that. It’s not about players or BCCI. They have said that the government will take a decision. So we’ll have to wait and see.”

Soon after the International Cricket Council (ICC) turned down BCCI’s request to sever ties with countries harbouring terrorists, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) decided to convene a meeting on March 7 to discuss ICC’s decision. In wake of the Pulawama attack - where 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri had written a letter to the global body to apprise them about the ghastly attack and also demand security of its players for the high-voltage encounter between India and Pakistan scheduled to be played on June 16 at Manchester. The BCCI also urged the ICC to sever ties with countries which harbour terror.

In its response, ICC clarified that it wasn’t under its control. "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.

Even after a Special General Meeting (SGM) recently, CoA chief Vinod Rai opined that the decision will be likely taken by the government and not the Indian board. While several big names including Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar have opined that the Men in Blue must play against Pakistan in the mega event, Harbhajan Singh and Sourav Ganguly are against the idea amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama attack.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...ld-boycott-pakistan-from-icc-world-cup/376446

 

[Smbhayi]

So Kaif is in DD.. Supporting them this year then...