Less than even one percent chance of Pakistan getting banned in World Cup, says Sourav Ganguly. Here's why

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has opined that it will be nearly impossible for the BCCI or Indian government to approach ICC and get Pakistan banned from the upcoming World Cup or international cricket.

'Dada' is one of the individuals demanding sporting ties between India and Pakistan to be cut off in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. He also feels that the fixture between the two teams at the upcoming sporting event should not be held.

But when it comes to the possibility of ICC banning Pakistan World Cup, let alone international cricket, Ganguly feels it is as close to as a no.

"The government has already defined the terms as far as bilateral series between India and Pakistan is concerned..... However, I doubt the prospects of banning Pakistan from the World Cup or international cricket. It is a big thing.....This is my personal view that banning Pakistan from the World Cup or international cricket won't be possible....But in my opinion, it will be very difficult for India or the Indian government to go to ICC and ask for a ban on Pakistan from the World Cup or international cricket. There's less than even one per cent chance of this happening," he told India TV.

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Ganguly was one of the very first individuals to side with the sentiments of Indians and call for a total ban on ties with Pakistan, including the World Cup fixture. He had suggested that a strong message needed to be sent, and the time has come to do that.

"This is a 10-team World Cup and each team plays matches against every other team and I feel if India doesn't play a match in the World Cup, it won't be an issue," he had said before adding, "And, whatever reactions came from the people of India...was right. There is no chance of a bilateral series with Pakistan after this incident. I agree that after this attack, India should not only stop playing cricket, hockey or football with Pakistan but should cut all ties with them."

The matter of India-Pakistan fixture at the World Cup - scheduled on June 16 - might get decided on February 27 during the ICC meet. The BCCI has already sent a letter to the sport's governing body expressing its concerns.