Union sports activities minister Anurag Thakur stated on Friday that bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan wouldn’t resume till the neighbouring nation ceases its help for terrorists. But the Opposition questioned him in regards to the upcoming World Cup match between the arch-rivals.

Thakur’s assertion follows the continuing encounter within the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir by which 4 safety personnel had been killed.

The Union minister stated, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided long ago that we would not engage in bilateral matches with Pakistan until they put an end to terrorism, cross-border attacks, and infiltration. I believe the sentiments of our nation and its citizens align with this stance.”

However, Thakur’s assertion drew swift feedback from the Opposition with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioning in regards to the standing of the upcoming World Cup match between India and Pakistan scheduled to happen at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The arch-rivals are set to conflict in a World Cup group fixture match on October 14.

Taking to X, Chaturvedi requested, “Will the World Cup Match between the two scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad be considered bilateral and be cancelled in respect of the sentiment of the nation? He should clarify that as a minister and so should BCCI.”

Nation mourns the lack of its 4 safety personnel

Colonel Manpreet Singh, who served because the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army, together with Major Ashish Dhonchak and deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat succumbed to accidents sustained throughout an encounter with terrorists in Gadole, within the Kokernag space of South Kashmir. Another soldier, who was a part of the counter-terrorism operation, additionally misplaced his life later.

‘Cancel India vs. Pakistan cricket matches’

Following the encounter, there was a renewed name from some quarters to sever all ties with Pakistan, together with worldwide sports activities occasions, particularly cricket matches between the 2 nations.

The final bilateral collection between India and Pakistan passed off in 2012-13. Since then, each nations have solely confronted one another in ICC occasions and the Asia Cup.

Initially, the continuing Asia Cup was presupposed to be hosted completely by Pakistan. However, because of India’s determination to not go to Pakistan, a compromise was reached to incorporate Sri Lanka as a further venue. Consequently, the Asia Cup is presently being held, with some matches going down in Pakistan and the remaining, all Indian matches, being held within the island nation.

Anantnag encounter continues

The ongoing gunfight between a mixed staff of safety personnel from the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police and terrorists within the Kokernag space of the Anantnag district has now entered its third consecutive day. Drones and quadcopters had been deployed on Friday to find and neutralise the gunmen.