Published: Sep 23, 2016, 09:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 23, 2016, 09:44 PM (IST)
In the backdrop of the Uri terror attack, Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India’s chief Anurag Thakur ruled out the possibility of reviving bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan in near future, saying even considering such a thought is not appropriate. Here to attend the BJP National Council meet, Thakur, who is also a party MP and president of its youth wing, struck a combative note, saying India can decimate Pakistan anytime but it is more important to isolate it globally. “In the context of what has happened even considering such a thought is not appropriate,” Thakur told when asked if there is any plan to play cricket with Pakistan. He added that there is no scheduled series with Pakistan this year.
India’s relationship with Pakistan has nosedived following the Uri terror attack amid an outcry for retaliation against the neighbour. Thakur, also an territorial army officer, said, “India has defeated Pakistan in wars of 1965, 1971 and Kargil. ALSO READ: IND Vs NZ 1st Test, Day 2: Rain plays spoilsport as Kiwis dominate
It also defeated Pakistan in all World Cup cricket matches. It can decimate Pakistan anytime but it is more important to isolate it globally.
India’s last bilateral series against arch-rivals, Pakistan was in 2007-08 when Pakistan toured India for a three-Test series and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs). India won the Test series 1-0 whereas they also emerged victorious in the ODIs winning it by 3-2. ALSO READ: BCCI made surplus of Rs. 111.83 crores in previous fiscal year
The team’s last encounter was in ICC World Twenty20 (WT20I) 2016 and even then it was India who had the last laugh in the match. With Pakistan being the No. 1 Test team and India at No. 2 in the latest ICC Test rankings, the cricketing arena is itching to see the two arch-rivals clash on the cricketing field but Thakur has rested all speculations with his firm statement.
