ICC World Cup 2019 | Narendra Modi, Imran Khan masks might face ban ahead of Ind-Pak tie
The iconic Narendra Modi, Imran Khan masks that have been adorned by fans during the ongoing World Cup might be disallowed for today's clash between India and Pakistan at Old Trafford. ICC is concerned that the masks could add to the tension in the stands between rival fan groups of both nations.
As is the case for majority India-Pakistan clashes, today's match at Old Trafford between the two rival nations comes with an added touch of socio-political drama. The International Cricket Council (ICC), local police and the Old Trafford Stadium security will be implementing extra measures to ensure the high-octane ICC World Cup 2019 clash between the two arch rivals goes on smoothly.Â
The socio-political tension between India and Pakistan is at an all time high after the Pulwama terror attack in February earlier this year. The last thing the ICC and the authorities want here is an untoward incident during the match which will be played in Manchester.Â
"Though a briefing has yet to take place, the authorities have full authority to stop face masks of political leaders if they think it could disrupt peace in the stands," A sources was quoted as saying by Midday.Â
In such a high-tension scenario, the international governing body is likely to disallow fans from wearing face masks of any political leader, in this scenario it will be respective prime ministers Narendra Modi and Imran Khan. The report further added that authorities will be given a freehand to stop fans wearing masks from entering the ground.
Over the course of the last couple of weeks, a lot of Indian fans have been seen wearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face mask for India's World Cup matches in England. They weren't stopped from wearing it at the Ageas Bowl (India v SA), The Oval (India v Australia) and at Trent Bridge (India v NZ).
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