"India won't listen to anyone, those who want to come can come," Anurag Thakur hits back at PCB over Asia Cup issue

The former BCCI chief's remarks came in reaction to the PCB's letter, in which the board stated that...

Digital Desk: Union Minister of I&B and Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, has said that the Home Ministery will take a call on India's tour of Pakistan. Thakur also reacted to Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the 2023 World Cup, saying that "India is in a situation where it doesn't have to listen from anyone."

"The home ministry will take a decision as there are security concerns in Pakistan. It’s not just cricket. English/Australia travelled to Pakistan, but can it be compared to India?" Anurag Thakur said on Thursday (October 20). "India is in a position where it does not need to listen from anyone. We will invite all countries for the World Cup—those who want to come can come," Thakur added. 

The former BCCI chief's remarks came in reaction to the PCB's letter, in which the board stated that the BCCI's decision could have long-term consequences and implications.

"The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment of yesterday’s comments made by the ACC President Mr Jay Shah with regards to shifting of next year’s Asia Cup to a neutral venue. The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board (event host) and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications," the Pakistan board wrote.

Speaking to the press after the BCCI's AGM, Jay Shah announced that the Asia Cup would be played at a neutral venue. Notably, the tournament's previous two editions were held at neutral sites.

In 2018, the continental event was supposed to be held in India, but later it was moved to the UAE. In 2022, Sri Lanka couldn't host the tournament and UAE once again staged it. The 2023 Asia Cup is most likely going to be held in the UAE.

As far as the World Cup goes, there's no doubt that the tournament will be played in India only. The tournament is still a year away, but information about Pakistan's participation will become clear in the next few months.

The Men in Green last visited India in 2016 for the T20 World Cup. Notably, both the teams haven't played a bilateral series since 2012–13.