Anurag Thakur Takes Firm Stand on IND vs PAK Bilateral Cricket Matches

In a resolute declaration, India’s Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur, firmly stated that India will not engage in any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan unless Pakistan puts an end to cross-border terrorism. This assertion comes as tensions between the two nations remain high due to recent incidents of terrorist activities.

Anurag Thakur, a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), emphasized that the BCCI had already taken a definitive stance on the matter by deciding not to resume bilateral cricket relations with Pakistan.

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He asserted, “The BCCI decided long ago that it will not play any bilateral matches with Pakistan until they stop terrorism. We will not resume our cricketing ties with Pakistan unless they stop carrying out attacks across the border or infiltration incidents.”

This stance has gained prominence as India faces mounting pressure to sever its cricketing ties with Pakistan following a recent gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag, which has claimed the lives of four security personnel and continues into its third day.

Anurag Thakur described the situation in Anantnag as “unfortunate” and vowed a strong and fitting response to the terrorists responsible for the attack. He underlined the Indian government’s commitment to combatting terrorism, stating, “The Modi government has taken drastic steps against terrorism. Terror incidents have come down in the last nine years. What has happened in Kashmir is unfortunate and very sad. We will give the terrorists a befitting reply.”

The rift between India and Pakistan in cricketing relations dates back several years, with the last bilateral series occurring in 2012-13 amid strained diplomatic ties. Since then, the two nations have only faced each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup. India’s last tour of Pakistan for a bilateral series took place in 2006, underscoring the prolonged absence of cricketing exchanges between the arch-rivals.

In a recent development, the BCCI announced its decision not to participate in the Asia Cup 2023, originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan, citing “political tensions.” In response, Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the ICC Men’s World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India the following month. However, the Asia Cup has since adopted a hybrid model, with some matches set to be played in Pakistan and others in Sri Lanka, where India has played all its matches so far.

India’s firm stance on refraining from bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan until terrorism ceases sends a strong message amid ongoing tensions. While cricket has often served as a bridge between the two nations, political and security concerns continue to overshadow the game. The future of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan remains uncertain in this charged atmosphere.