The government of India continues to sit tight over Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) proposal seeking nod for resumption of cricketing ties with Pakistan in Sri Lanka next month, amid indications of serious reservations about the cricket body's plan.
"They have jumped the gun," a senior government leader said, adding that revival of cricketing ties with the hostile neighbour may not necessarily be in accord with popular mood at a time when Pakistan continues with its support to terror activities.
The reluctance should put paid to early restoration of cricketing contact because India's schedule has no window to accommodate Pakistan beyond December. While the BCCI appeared to be out of step with the government's tough approach towards Pakistan since the latter reneged on the commitment it made at Ufa in Russia earlier this year to discuss terrorism, the step up in attacks have been a further setback.
Authorities here are convinced that the attack on the Army camp this week was part of a larger plan by terror groups and their patrons in Pakistan army and the ISI to carry out big strikes. "They want to go after big civilian targets," a senior government functionary said while indicating that the BCCI proposal may not fly with the political leadership at this juncture.
Sharif approves proposal
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has granted permission to the PCB for a bilateral cricket series against arch-rivals India in Sri Lanka. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Indian Cricket Board (BCC) had proposed the series and approached their respective governments for clearance. Official sources in the ministry of inter provincial coordination said that the Prime Minister gave the clearance before leaving for a official tour to Malta.
