Just a couple of days ago, International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Pakistan will be hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. Ever since the announcement was made, people are wondering whether India would take part in the tournament, considering the political tensions with Pak. Finally, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has responded to these speculations.
Speaking in a press conference the other day, Thakur said that the decision of India’s participation will be taken when the time comes. He added that there are still security concerns for various international cricket teams to play cricket in Pakistan. “When such global tournaments happen several factors are considered. Even in the past, you would have seen many countries have pulled out to go there (Pakistan) and play because the situation there is not normal. Security is the main challenge there like teams have been attacked in the past, which is a concern,” said Thakur.
“So when the time comes, the government will take a decision depending on the circumstances then. The Home Ministry will be involved in decision making,” he further added.
India and Pakistan have played against each other only at the ICC events for the last few years, due to the political tensions between them. After almost three decades, Pak is hosting an ICC event. It had last co-hosted the ICC World Cup in 1996, along with India and Sri Lanka.