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

Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year but feels chances of the players going across the border "aren't much". Thakur though is expecting that Pakistan team will come to India to compete in the 50-over World Cup next year, saying "all are welcome". BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, had on Tuesday said that Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the continental event and they would like to compete in the tournament at a neutral venue. It had prompted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to say that it may affect its team's participation in the World Cup in India. "All teams who qualify for (World Cup) are invited (to compete on the Indian soil). Many times Pakistan teams have come to India and played. I feel India is not in a position to be dictated (by someone) and there is no reason for anyone to do that. "I expect all countries to come and compete," Thakur told a select gathering of journalists when asked about the controversy that erupted after Shah's statement.

Read AlsoIndia won't go to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup: Jay Shah

MUMBAI: On the day he started his second term as BCCI secretary, Jay Shah made it clear India "will not travel to Pakistan" for the 2023 Asia Cup, reports Gaurav Gupta. "It will be held at a neutral venue. I am saying this as ACC (Asian Cricket Council) president. We can't go there (Pakistan), they

Asked on the possibility of the Indian team travelling to the neighbouring country for Asia Cup next year, Thakur said, "Possibilities are always there. Who thought there will be COVID-19. Anything can happen but the chances (of Indian team travelling to Pakistan) are not much. "...It's a decision that will be taken by the home ministry. Overall, players' safety and