No bilateral cricket with Pakistan until they end terrorism, says Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur

Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur praised BCCI's decision to not play any bilateral series with Pakistan.

Team India faced Pakistan in the super four round of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, and it was a one-sided game that India won by a massive 228 runs. These two teams meet only in multi-national tournaments, whether in the World Cup or Asia Cup. But there was a time when both neighbouring countries used to play frequent bilateral series across formats.

But since Mumbai attacks (26/11 attacks), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the decision not to participate in any bilateral series with Pakistan cricket team. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has also applauded this decision taken by BCCI to not play any cricket with Pakistan and said that there will be no bilateral series with Pakistan until the nation stops terrorism.

"No bilateral matches with Pakistan until they stop terrorism"- Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

The last time Pakistan played a bilateral series in India was in 2012, while the last time an Indian team went on a tour of Pakistan was way back in 2006. Since then, none of these teams have come to the other nation for bilateral series. Notably, the Pakistani players took part in the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League in 2008, but after the Mumbai attacks, they were banned from taking part in the league.

Not just that, India and Pakistan have a dispute over the Kashmir region. That means no more cricket between the two teams. On Friday, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also said in a discussion that there will be no bilateral cricket until Pakistan stops terrorism. He was at an event in Rajasthan, where he said, "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."

Anurag Thakur made this statement after hearing growing noise against India and Pakistan not playing in bilateral series. A couple of days ago, four security personnel lost their lives in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah denied that India couldn't travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023, and the tournament was later co-hosted by Sri Lanka, and all the games for India were scheduled in Sri Lanka.