Union Minister of I&B and Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, on Thursday, said that since there are security concerns in Pakistan, the Home Ministry will take a final call on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the Asia cup next year.
On Tuesday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed in his capacity as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and the tournament will be shifted to a neutral venue instead.
Something similar happened in 2018 when Pakistan refused to travel to India for Asia Cup, which was then shifted to UAE.
Meanwhile, the PCB responded to Jay Shah’s statement and requested the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting. The PCB had also mentioned that if India did not travel across the border for the tournament, then such a move could jeopardize Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup 2023 which is to be hosted in India.
But on the other hand, Anurag Thakur has said that all big teams, including Pakistan, will take part in the ODI World Cup, which is set to be held in India in 2023.
“It’s BCCI’s matter and they will comment on it. India is a sporting powerhouse, where many World Cups have been organized. The ODI World Cup will also take place next year in India and all big teams around the globe will take part in it,” Thakur said at an event for the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games.
“Because, you can’t ignore India in any sport. India has contributed a lot to sports, especially cricket. So, the World Cup will be organised next year, and it will grand and historic event. Home ministry will take a decision as there is security concerns in Pakistan. It’s not just cricket. India is not in a position to listen to anyone,” he added.
PCB also threatened to pull out of the ACC if the Asia Cup was moved out of Pakistan next year and India didn’t travel for the tournament. India last traveled to Pakistan in 2008 for Asia Cup.
(Indian Express inputs)
