The PCB had expressed concern over India’s participation in the ODI World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup matches.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that the Home Minister’s proposal will be accepted for the Indian team to go to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year. The Union Minister’s reaction came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested the Asian Cricket Council to call an emergency meeting in the wake of BCCI Secretary Jai Shah’s statement that India would not travel to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup.
The PCB had expressed concern over India’s participation in the ODI World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup matches. Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur says that all the top teams including Pakistan will participate in the ODI World Cup to be held in India in 2023.
All teams that qualify for the World Cup are invited to play on Indian soil. Many times Pakistani teams have come and played in India. I feel that India is not in a position to dictate to anyone in this regard and there is no reason for anyone to do so. I hope all countries will come and compete,
Thakur was responding to a question from reporters about the controversy after BCCI Secretary Jai Shah’s statement.
“You cannot ignore India in any sport. India has contributed a lot to sports, especially cricket. So, the World Cup will be organized next year and it will be a great and historic event. As there are security issues in Pakistan, the Ministry of Home Affairs will take a decision in this regard. It’s not just cricket. He added that India is not in a position to listen to anyone.
On Wednesday, the PCB had responded to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) by expressing its concern over Jai Shah’s statement. “The PCB expresses its surprise and disappointment at the comments made by ACC President Jai Shah yesterday. The PCB has expressed displeasure over Jai Shah’s statement that next year’s Asia Cup will be shifted to a neutral venue. The PCB said that the comment was made without any thought of the consequences of a discussion or consultation with the Asian Cricket Council Board or the Pakistan Cricket Board.
BCCI Secretary Jai Shah’s statement was that the Asia Cup 2023 hosted by Pakistan may be shifted to a neutral venue. BCCI needs government approval for bilateral series against Pakistan and for touring Pakistan. Jai Shah also stated that the Indian cricket team will not go to Pakistan to play the 2023 Asia Cup. Jai Shah made his stand clear when he came to Mumbai for the BCCI annual meeting.