'Not in position to listen to anyone'- Sports Minister Anurag Thakur comes out hard at PCB over Asia Cup and World Cup debate

Ramiz Raja. Anurag Thakur (Image Source: Twitter)

After Jay Shah confirmed that India won’t travel to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that they might have to rethink playing events in India in the future.

At the, recently held, Annual General Meeting, Jay Shah said that the Men in Blue won’t travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2022 and the tournament will be rather be held on a neutral venue. However, Ramiz Raja, the PCB chairman hit back saying that Shah's statement was unwarranted and added that the timing of the statement surprised them a lot.

“The PCB officials are surprised at the timing of Jay Shah’s statement because there is still nearly a year to go before the Asia Cup is held in Pakistan in September 2023,” Raja had said earlier.

“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 Cricket’s governing body Cricket World Cup 2023 and future World Body Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle,” PCB said in its statement.

However, the Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur responded strongly and claimed that India can't be ignored in any sports. Thakur said that India will host the 2023 World Cup with pride and added that it will welcome all nations with both hands.

“The ODI World Cup will 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. What is cricket without India,” Thakur was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“Possibilities are always there. Who thought there will be COVID-19? Anything can happen but the chances (of 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,” said the minister further.