Amid terror threats by the Pakistan-based terror group against the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has revealed the stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India on India’s participation in the tournament.
The T20 World Cup 2024 will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America. The competition begins on June 1st and is expected to end on June 29th. A total of 20 teams take part in the tournament and the games are played at nine venues. Six venues in the West Indies will host the games, while three venues have been chosen in the US for the World Cup.
On Sunday, May 5, the shocking news broke that the Caribbean islands had received terrorist threats from northern Pakistan in the run-up to the World Cup. These threats forced the Cricket West Indies and the International Cricket Council to come forward and speak openly about the matter.
In a joint statement, the ICC and CWI said they have a “comprehensive and robust security plan” for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, also revealed that security authorities were monitoring the situation.
The threats have raised concerns among the participating teams and on Monday, May 6, a BCCI official gave his verdict on the Indian national cricket team’s participation in the marquee tournament.
We will abide by the decision of the Central Government – Rajeev Shukla
Speaking to ANI, Rajeev Shukla said that they will provide maximum security to their players but the final decision on the Indian team’s participation in the World Cup will be taken by the central government.
“As far as the threat is concerned, the responsibility for security lies with the security authorities of the country where the game is taking place. All precautionary measures are being taken. We will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of players and spectators. We will speak to the agencies responsible for organizing the World Cup. We will abide by the central government’s decision. We are in contact with the Wisconsin and U.S. governments,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 15-member Indian national cricket team squad for the World Cup has already been announced. The Rohit Sharma-led squad consists of four spinners including Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. The BCCI selection committee has decided to include only three pacers – Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj – in the team keeping in mind the spin-friendly conditions in the West Indies and the USA.
In the batting department, all the expected names are present except for Rinku Singh, who has been one of the best players for India since his T20I debut. Recently, Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma spoke at a press conference and were asked about Rinku Singh’s exclusion. Agarkar said leaving out Rinku was the “hardest decision” but they had to make it because of the combination they wanted.