Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided much earlier that it would not play bilateral matches with Pakistan until the country puts an end to terrorism, cross-border attacks, and infiltration.
Thakur was quoted as saying, “I think the sentiments of the country and of the public are also the same.” The BCCI has not played a bilateral series with Pakistan since 2012. The two teams have only met in multi-nation tournaments such as the ICC World Cup and the Asia Cup since then.
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Thakur’s statement comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In recent months, there have been several incidents of cross-border firing and shelling. The BCCI’s decision not to play bilateral matches with Pakistan is likely to be supported by the Indian public. A majority of Indians believe that Pakistan should stop supporting terrorism before the two countries can resume cricketing ties.
It is important to note that the BCCI’s decision is a purely cricketing one. The board has not ruled out the possibility of playing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments.
#WATCH | Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur says, “BCCI had decided much earlier that we would not play bilateral matches with Pakistan until they put an end to terrorism, cross-border attacks and infiltration…I think the sentiments of the country and of the public are also… pic.twitter.com/Q7jsmi9ctC
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023