BCCI vs PCB: In the ongoing tussle between PCB and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Thakur has given his reaction. Thakur has stated India's participation in the Asia Cup 2023, which is currently scheduled to be held in Pakistan will be decided by the home ministry. He also reacted to PCB's statement of a possible boycott of the ODI World Cup in India in 2023.
Speaking during the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games, Thakur opened up on PCB's statement and also on India's participation in the Asia Cup 2023. He said, "It's BCCI's issue and they will comment on it. India is a sporting powerhouse, where many World Cups have been played. The ODI World Cup will also be held next year in India and all big teams around the planet will participate 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 tournament. The home ministry will take a decision as there are security concerns in Pakistan. It's not just cricket. India is not in a position to listen to anyone."
The Asia Cup 2023 is currently slated to be held in Pakistan in 2023. Recently, BCCI secretary and Asian Cricket Council's chief Jay Shah stated that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and the tournament could be shifted to a neutral venue. To this PCB had said that Jay Shah's comments could hamper Pakistan's participation in the 2023 World Cup.
The two teams are currently in Australia to play in the T20 World Cup 2022. Both are placed in the same group and will open their campaign against each other on October 23. In the T20 World Cup history, India has emerged victorious on five occasions while the Pakistan team has been able to defeat India only once.
