Dungarpur said the BCCI has always abided by the national policy and there was no question of going against the interest of the nation.

The BCCI president, however, was non-commital about India's participation in the forthcoming tournaments in Sharjah and Australia where Pakistan is one of the participting teams.

Prominent cricketers in the city also joined in the chorus hailing the cancellation of the series in Canada.

Exceprts

Chandrakant Pandit (former India 'keeper): With our soldiers fighting for our territorial rights, it did not make sense playing Pakistan. I think we should not be playing Pakistan in any other events as well. What sense does it make to play in tri-series and not in Sahara? Itwould be a contradiction of our policies if we go on to play Pakistan in Sharjah. I think we owe our men who are fighting and dying for us.

Besides, our players will be under tremendous pressure in Sharjah. The exapts from the two countries throng the stadium and given the present scenario, that could be a problem.

Eknath Solkar (former India all-rounder): Taking into consideration the present situation in Kashmir, I think cancellation of the series was the right decision. Spare a thought for the jawans: does it make sense to derive pleasure from a cricket match when our soldiers are dying on the battle front trying to protect us.

I think we can consider playing triangular series where other teams are involved. The pressure would be much less.

Dilip Sardesai (former India batsman): We should not play Pakistan anywhere in this world. It's a matter of principal. How can we play with the conflict in Kargil happening? There is no question about it.

Raju Kulkarni (former India paceman): We should notplay Pakistan. But the decision should be open to review when peace and normalcy is restored. We can bide our time for three to four months. The cancellation of the Sahara Cup is only being fair to our brave soilders fighting on the front.