The cricket world has been deprived of the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan because of political tension between the two countries.

India haven't played Pakistan in bilateral cricket since a home limited-overs series in 2012, with their last meeting in Tests dating back to 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

The cricket ties between India and Pakistan have become a topic of discussion all over again since an Army Colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police recently lost their lives during a gunfight with terrorists.

Amid the recent development, India’s Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday (September 15) reiterated that there won’t be any bilateral cricket with Pakistan till they stop cross-border terrorism and infiltration in India.

“As far as sports is concerned, BCCI had long before decided that bilateral matches with Pakistan won’t be held till they stop infiltration and cross-border terrorism. I think this is the sentiment of every common citizen of this country," Thakur said, as quoted by CricketNext.

The Indian men’s cricket team is currently playing the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka. They have faced Pakistan twice in the ongoing tournament.

Notably, Sri Lanka was not supposed to host the Asia Cup 2023. It was a last-minute decision as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had no choice but to opt for a hybrid model after BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, the designated host for the continental event.

The hybrid model gave Pakistan the hosting rights of four games while rest of the fixtures including all of India’s matches and the final were scheduled in Sri Lanka.

India and Pakistan are due to square off in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.