Anurag Thakur Clarifies India’s Stand on Playing Pakistan in Asia Cup

By A Staff Reporter

BJP MP and former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur on Saturday addressed concerns over India’s participation in the Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, drawing a distinction between multilateral tournaments and bilateral cricket ties.

Speaking in Pune, Thakur explained that India is bound by the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in multilateral events. “In a multilateral tournament organised by the ACC or ICC, we have to play as it is compulsory for all countries. If we do not take part, we will be eliminated from the tournament as the opposition will get the points,” he said.

He, however, reaffirmed India’s long-standing stance against bilateral series with Pakistan. “We do not play bilateral tournaments with Pakistan, and we will not play with them until they stop hurting us with the terrorism that flourishes there,” he added.