Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad says no to cricket with Pakistan

Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has called for a ban in cricket ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack which left 40 CRPF soldiers dead. India and Pakistan do not play bilateral cricket but play each other in ICC events.

Last September, India played Pakistan in the Asia Cup twice. In 2017, India and Pakistan had played each other in the Champions Trophy. They are next scheduled to play in the 2019 Cricket World Cup in Manchester on June 16. However, voices in India want BCCI to boycott the match against Pakistan.

India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, speaking to India Today, said India should not play Pakistan in the World Cup after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed for the ghastly attack in Pulwama.

"I cannot make any comment [on cricket issues] except to say those who are demanding it have some justification. You can see many films and concerts have been cancelled. Things are not normal. If things are not normal, the jhappiyan-pappiyan (hugs and kisses) issues have always been there," Prasad told India Today.

"Since it's an international tournament, the ICC and our Indian cricket board (BCCI) have to take a call after consideration with our security establishment.

"But I don't wish away their concern. It's time to say no. Mr Imran Khan had no word of condolence for those who were killed," he said.