Anurag Thakur, the Union minister for Youth Affairs and Sports on Thursday responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board's statement about its participation in the ICC World Cup in India next year. India’s contribution to cricket is immense and that cannot be disregarded.
He said while addressing an event for the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games, “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, 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."
The chaos started when the Asian Cricket Council chief Jay Shah commented on Tuesday that India will not go to Pakistan to play in the next year’s Asia Cup. Reactions came from Pakistan cricket after Jay Shah’s strong words. Recently, teams like Australia and England have visited Pakistan.
"The overall impact of such statements have the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan's visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle," PCB said in its statement.
"The PCB has to date not received any official communication or clarification from the ACC on the statement of the ACC President. As such, the PCB has now requested the Asian Cricket Council to convene an emergency meeting of its Board as soon as practically possible to discuss this important and sensitive matter."
India are set to lock horns against Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Melbourne on Sunday.