Jusr a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) threatned of pulling out of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that the country will organise the showpiece event and all the big teams, including Pakistan, will take part in it as no one can ignore India in any field nowadays.
Thakur’s comments came after PCB requested the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to convene an emergency meeting in the wake of BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s statement that India won’t travel to Pakistan for next year’s Asia Cup and his demand that the tournament be moved to a neutral venue.
“It’s the BCCI’s matter and they will comment on it. India is a sporting powerhouse, where many World Cups have been organised. The ODI World Cup will also take place next year in India and all big teams around the globe will take part in it. Because no one can ignore India in any field nowadays,” the Sports Minister told reporters during an event for the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games.
“India has contributed a lot to sports, especially cricket. So, the World Cup will be organised next year, and it will be a grand and historic event,” he added.
Talking specifically about Pakistan’s participation, the Minister said: “All teams who qualify for the World Cup are invited to compete on Indian soil). Many times Pakistan teams have come to India and played. I feel India is not in a position to be dictated (by someone) and there is no reason for anyone to do that. I expect all countries to come and compete.”
When asked about India travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, the former BCCI president said the decision will be taken by the home ministry.
“It’s a decision that will be taken by the Home Ministry. Overall, players’ safety and security is an important matter,” he said.