Anurag Thakur, India's sports minister, said on Thursday that the country will host the mega event and that all the major teams, including Pakistan, will compete because no one can ignore India in any field these days, in response to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) threat to boycott India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Thakur made his remarks after PCB asked the Asian Cricket Council to call an emergency meeting in response to BCCI secretary Jay Shah's declaration that India won't visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year and his request that the competition be transferred to a neutral venue.
The PCB stated in its statement that Pakistan's participation in the ODI World Cup may be in jeopardy if India chose not to enter the border for the competition.
The ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India in 2023, will, according to Thakur, have participation from all major nations, including Pakistan.
The ODI World Cup will also be held in India next year, and all major teams from around the world will participate in it because no one can ignore India in any field these days, the Sports Minister told reporters during an event for the announcement of the Khelo India Youth Games. "It's the BCCI's matter, and they will comment on it. India is a sporting powerhouse, where many World Cups have been organised.
India has made significant contributions to sports, particularly cricket, thus the World Cup will be held the next year and will be a great and historic event, he continued.
Speaking specifically about Pakistan's participation, the Minister stated that he anticipates all teams to attend as the nation has frequently visited India.
In response to the frequent visits of Pakistani teams, Thakur said, "All teams who qualify for the World Cup are invited to compete on Indian soil. I feel India is not in a position to be dictated (by someone), and there is no reason for anyone to do that. I expect all countries to come and compete."
When asked whether India would visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023, the former BCCI president responded that the home ministry would make that decision.
The Home Ministry will decide, he said, because the security and safety of the players is a crucial issue.