Home ministry will decide if Indian team will travel to Pakistan: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said the Home Ministry will take a decision on the Indian cricket team’s visit to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year as the safety of players is an important matter. Thakur, however, is hopeful that the Pakistan team will come to India to participate in the 50-over World Cup next year, saying “all are welcome”.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said on Tuesday that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the continental tournament and would like to participate in the tournament at a neutral venue.

This had prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to say that it could affect their team’s participation in the World Cup in India.

“All the teams that have qualified for the (World Cup) are invited (to compete on Indian soil). Many times Pakistan teams have come to India and played. I think India (by someone) dictates I am not in a position to run and there is no reason for anyone to do so. I hope all countries will come and compete.”

Thakur said after the announcement that the fifth edition of Khelo India Youth Games will be held from January 31 to February 11 in eight cities of Madhya Pradesh.

When asked about the Indian team’s visit, the Sports Minister said, “It is a decision that will be taken by the Home Ministry. Overall, the safety and security of the players is an important matter,” Thakur said.

It was reported that international teams have recently started touring Pakistan, but Thakur shrugged off the question.

Originally published at Pen 18