And now a World Cup for Parliamentarians

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pramod Mahajan announced at a press conference at the CCI on Saturday a tentative plan to host a Cricket World Cup for Parliamentarians in March. He added that all Test playing countries will be invited to send a team of parliamentarians to participate in a World Cup in India.

Mahajan agreed that the idea was a noble one and it would help ease political tensions through the medium of sport. "Cricket has always been a binding factor for Indians. We forget all our personal grudges and problems when we are playing cricket, so as a novel idea I have approached parliamentarians world wide to support this cause."

Mahajan declared that the invitation is also open to Pakistan. He added, "I have also approached Pakistan to take part in the World Cup and if they have a reinstated parliament before March, we shall extend a formal invitation to them. As of now, the parliament there is suspended and therefore we are unable to proceed on the matter."

The criteria for the eligibility of the team members would be a minimum of one term in office in the parliament. He also assured that a committee would be formed for the selection of the teams. The motive is to make the tournament a more competitive one and not just a festival match.