Reacting to the BCCI vs PCB issue, Anurag Thakur said India is not in a position to listen to anyone. The Sports minister said that the ODI World Cup 2023 will be held in India and the participating countries, including Pakistan, will be invited and the tournament will go on as per schedule.

Earlier this week, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Jay Shah, said that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 event and they would like to compete in the tournament at a neutral venue. But the announcement did not like by the Pakistan cricket board and they responded by saying “such statements can split the Asian and international cricket communities” They also said that in that case, they might think of not visiting India for the World Cup next year.

Asked about the possibility of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, Anurag Thakur said, “Possibilities are always there. Who thought there will be COVID-19? Anything can happen but the chances of the Indian team travelling to Pakistan are not much. “It’s a decision that will be taken by the home ministry. Overall, players’ safety and security is an important matter.”