“Let BCCI Take the Call”, Anurag Thakur on Asia Cup 2023

Asia Cup BCCI: During a media conference on Sunday, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur discussed India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan.

On his trip to Bhandara, Thakur addressed the press in Nagpur about several government sports promotion projects. He also addressed queries regarding India’s participation in the Major tournament.

Thakur had previously stated in October of last year that the home ministry will decide if Team India would travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Nevertheless, addressing reporters on Sunday, the Sports Minister stated that the BCCI will make the decision.

The argument over India not traveling to Pakistan for the big competition emerged following the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup. BCCI secretary Jay Shah indicated that India won’t travel to Pakistan last year.

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Pakistan might lose the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2023

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also threatened India about withdrawing from the One Day Internationals World Cup 2023. India will host the ODI World Cup 2023 after 12 years.

According to the Sports Minister, BCCI secretary Jay Shah is one of the crucial people who will decide whether the Asia Cup would be relocated or Team India will travel to Pakistan.

Thakur also revealed the central government’s plans to elevate Indian sports to new heights. “As of now we have sanctioned 945 Khelo India centers and before August 15 the administration will achieve the aim of 1,000 such centers.“, said Thakur.

He added, “The central government wants to promote 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.”

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The competition is scheduled to be held in September 2023

The 2023 Asia Cup will be the 16th edition of the Asia Cup, with matches contested as One Day Internationals. ACC is yet to announce all the hosts. Six teams will compete in the competition.

The event will feature five full members of the Asian Cricket Council: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Qualification tournament winners will join the team in the group stage.

Originally set for 2021, the Asia Cup was pushed back to 2023 due to a busy schedule, with Pakistan serving as the host. The defending champions are Sri Lanka.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) published the pathway structure and calendar for 2023 and 2024 in January confirming the dates and format of the event.

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