Sports minister Anurag Thakur sends a stern message on IND vs. PAK bilateral cricket
The Sports Minister of India, Anurag Thakur, said on Friday that there would be no sporting event, including the India versus Pakistan bilateral cricket series, until Pakistan addressed concerns related to cross-border terrorism and infiltration into India.
The recent visit of BCCI President Roger Binny to Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023 raised speculations of renewed cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. However, Anurag Thakur has sternly clarified that there will be no sporting ties between both countries until Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism.
Thakur said, "BCCI has already taken the decision that bilateral matches with Pakistan will not be played by India till they stop cross-border terrorism. This is in line with the sentiments of Indian citizens."
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This statement comes amidst diplomatic tensions between the two nations and recent tragic events in Anantnag. There were demands for the BCCI to boycott the Pakistan cricket team and any match with them after three officers were martyred while fighting terrorists during an encounter in Anantnag.