India will lose if they boycott World Cup match against Pakistan, opines Sunil Gavaskar

The recent Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel was one of the most deadliest terrorist attacks on Indian soil in the last decade. The huge loss of life by the Jaish-E-Mohammed-organised attack has triggered a nationwide outrage across various walks of life. One of the major areas where the escalated socio-political relations between the two nations is the sport of cricket.

"India have so far beaten Pakistan every time in a World Cup, so we are actually conceding two points when by beating Pakistan, we could make sure that they don't advance in the competition. (But) I am with the country, whatever the government decides, I am with it totally. If the country wants we shouldn't play Pakistan, I am with them," Gavaskar told India Today.

"They can try but it will not happen. Because the other member countries have to accept that and I don't see that happening. I am not too sure an ICC conference is the right forum. Sure all of us are absolutely down with what has happened, it is such a tragedy but I am not too sure this would work with the ICC. The other counties will say that this is an internal matter between the two countries and they have to deal with it and not involve us," Gavaskar added.

Meanwhile, the former India opener also urged Pakistan captain and former cricketer Imran Khan to take the necessary "first step" towards improving ties with India.

"You said that 'India should take the first step and Pakistan will take two steps' but not as a politician, as an average sportsperson, I want to say to you that Pakistan is the one which should take the first step. You ensure there is no cross-border infiltration, you ensure that those in Pakistan who are creating problems in India are handed over, if not to India, then to the UN. You take those two steps and you see the number of friendly steps India will take," Gavaskar added.