MUMBAI: A rise in government interference in National Olympic Committees (NOCs), strictly prohibited in the Olympic Charter, is posing major problems for the International Olympic Committee. In cricket however, such “prohibitions” appear to have only fig leaf value. More so when the umbrella go-to – security concerns – can be pulled out if push comes to shove.
Take this comment by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur after the International Cricket Council on Tuesday confirmed that the Champions Trophy is back and Pakistan will host the tournament in 2025. During a media interaction, Thakur said: “When the time will come, the Indian government and the Home Ministry will take a decision. During the international championships, all the factors are looked upon.
“Even in past, many countries have refused to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. As you all know, many players were even attacked while playing over there and that’s a big issue to be dealt with.”
