NEW DELHI: Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur has said the country’s home ministry will take a call on the Indian cricket team’s travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year but feels chances of the players going across the border “aren’t much”, Press Trust of India reported on Thursday.
Thakur though is expecting that the 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 the 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 [the World Cup] are invited [to compete on the Indian soil],” Thakur told a select gathering of journalists when asked about the controversy that erupted after Shah’s statement.
“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.”
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 security is an important matter.”
It was pointed out that international teams have started touring Pakistan, of late, but Thakur deflected the question.“That is a security concern,” he said. “The government will take a call on that. Let the time come, let us see the situation at that time.”
Rishabh Pant gets ‘goosebumps’
India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant said he gets goosebumps playing arch-rivals Pakistan, calling it “a different kind of feeling” to any other team.
The two sides meet in a blockbuster clash to open their Twenty20 World Cup campaigns at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
About 100,000 fans have snapped up tickets for what is set to be a carnival atmosphere, although forecast rain could put a dampener on the party. “It’s always special playing against Pakistan because there is a special hype around that match,” Pant told the official World Cup website Friday.
“There are so much emotions involved, not only for us, but the fans and everyone. It’s a different kind of feeling, a different kind of ambiance when you go on to the field and when you take on the field, you see people cheering here and there.It’s a different atmosphere and when we were singing our national anthem, I actually get goosebumps.”
Pant is no guarantee to play, seemingly in a battle with veteran Dinesh Karthik for the wicketkeeping role, although he could still feature as a specialist batsman if selectors want to bolster their middle-order.