BCCI to request ICC to suggest WC shift

New Delhi: Against the back drop of anti-Pakistan sentiments across the country following the killing of two Indian soldiers at the LOC earlier this month, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has reportedly written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) suggesting a change of venue for the Women's World Cup to be held in Mumbai.

The entire tournament, running from January 31 to February 17, will be held entirely in Mumbai across four stadiums. However, sources have told CNN-IBN that with the Shiv Sena objecting strongly to Pakistan athletes playing in Mumbai, including protests on Sunday by Shiv Sainiks and Hindu Yuwak Sabha members outside Mumbai's Churchgate Stadium, where the Hockey India League (HIL) team Mumbai Magicians team was practicing, the BCCI has chosen address the issue of security with the ICC.

On Monday, anti-Pakistan protesters tried to disrupt the inaugural match of the HIL in New Delhi. A couple Hindu Yuwak Sabha members, carrying placards, managed to invade the playing area but were immediately overpowered by the security guards.

Mumbai is the current venue for the World Cup starting January 13 but the Shiv Sena has been objecting to Pakistanis playing in the city.

Relations between the two countries became tense after two Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistan army at the LOC earlier this month. Some reports indicated that it might be the reason for the delay in providing visas to the Pakistan players. But sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that the delay was due to procedural issues and not due to any change in the process for awarding Indian visas to Pakistani nationals.

The Pakistan women's team is placed in Group B along with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and will play their first match against Australia on January 31 at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.

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