Home Ministry will decide whether Indian team will go to Asia Cup: Thakur
Stating that the safety of players is paramount, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Thursday that the Home Ministry will decide whether the Indian cricket team will participate in the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan. Asian Cricket Council President and Indian Board Secretary Jay Shah had yesterday said that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup and will play the tournament at a neutral venue. On this, the Pakistan Cricket Board had warned that if this happens, their participation in the ICC World Cup to be held in India in 2023 may be affected.
When asked about the controversy that erupted after Shah’s statement here, Thakur said, “The safety of the players is paramount. The Home Ministry will decide whether the Indian team will go to the Asia Cup. Cricket cannot be played under the shadow of terrorism.
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Asked whether there are security concerns after teams like Australia and England tour Pakistan, Thakur said, “There is a difference in the situation in Australia, England and India.” World Cup is to be played. Thakur said, “All the teams that have qualified to play the World Cup in India will be invited. India is no longer in a position to listen to anyone and has no reason to listen to anyone. We will welcome everyone and hope everyone will come.
