Play other sports, but no cricket with Pak: Uma

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Sports and Youth Affairs minister Uma Bharti on Wednesday categorically stated that there is no question of playing a Test or One-day International series with the Pakistan cricket team in the present circumstances.

However, she made it clear that Pakistan would be invited to the Afro-Asian Games. "We are taking part in other disciplines against Pakistan. In hockey, we beat them in Dhaka recently, we are sending a volleyball team to Pakistan, but it is only cricket where we have decided not to play against them."

Unless the External Affairs ministry clear states that circumstances have changed for the better, cricket matches would not be played between India and Pakistan, she said.

She expressed surprise at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's statement, that the Indian team would not play in the ICC Knockout, Asia Cup and World Cup tournaments for lack of clarifications from the government about playing against Pakistan.

She said playing against Pakistan in multi-lateral or triangular matches is a different matter altogether. "If the BCCI decides to pull out of major tournaments then it is their headache. I strongly advise the BCCI not to advice the External Affairs ministry or the Union government on policy matters," she added.

Bharti said the question of clarification does not arise as her ministry has not received any request for the same or for issuing general guidelines regarding government policy on playing with Pakistan.

She praised ICC president Malcolm Grey for being to the Government of India's compulsions and its decision not to play against Pakistan.

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