Asia Cup 2023: Let BCCI Take A Call On India’s Participation In Asia Cup – Anurag Thakur

Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur revealed BCCI will decide about India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Earlier, in October 2022, Thakur said the home ministry will decide whether the Indian team travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

Thakur stated that at first BCCI will take a call on their involvement in the Asia cup and then the home ministry will take a final call about India’s participation in the tournament.

Speaking to the media Anurag Thakur said: “Let the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take a call on the Indian team’s participation in Asia Cup first, then  only the sports ministry and home ministry will decide.” 

Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said the Indian team would not travel to their neighbouring country for the continental tournament. While, PCB chairman, Najam Sethi said that he will be raising these issues in the next ACC and ICC meetings.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be the host nation, although the BCCI has no issues travelling to UAE to compete. For India’s matches, Dubai and Sharjah are being considered as potential locations.

The PCB is keen on hosting the Asia Cup–and has pointed to international teams touring the country to assure players of their safety. According to reports, Pakistan will continue to host the Asia Cup, but some games will also be played in the United Arab Emirates, where India may play all of its games, including the championship game, if necessary.

We Will Continue To Support Indian Athletes – Anurag Thakur

Anurag Thakur further added that the Indian government will be focused to improve sports in India. As the ministry has raised its sports budget 300 times in comparison to 2014 and they will focus more Khelo India Youth Games to spread the sports spread across the country.

“The central government is focused on the promotion of sports. In 2014, the 900 crore sports budget rose to 3,397 crores. Even the five-year plan of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)  has been extended to another five years.” Thakur added.

Indian athletes are slowly raising to show their ability in the sporting world, in other sports including athletics, wrestling, and Badminton making their mark on the world stage. Many Indian stars have started their preparation for the Asian games 2023.