Pakistan's presence will not hinder India's participation in major cricket events like the World Cup, sports minister Uma Bharti said on Wednesday. But she ruled out a resumption of bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan, saying "national pride and sentiments get involved" when the two teams confront each other, the Press Trust of India reported. Bharti confirmed that India will take part in the International Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka in September and the World Cup in South Africa early next year. Doubts over India taking part in the two tournaments were voiced by an Indian newspaper earlier this month.

"If Uma Bharti has her way, India and Pakistan may never play cricket again - anywhere, anytime and in any tournament," the Today newspaper said on May 16. It quoted the sports minister as saying: "When they (Pakistan) are playing with blood, how can we play cricket with them? The nation will not accept this."

The two countries last met on a cricket field in May 2000, just before the Indian government put a blanket ban on games against Pakistan. India are scheduled to play a league match against Pakistan in the World Cup in February-March next year.

The two countries have, however, been drawn in separate groups in the Champions Trophy, but will have to face each other if they make the finals.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd