ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan likely to play their matches in Bangladesh

With India as the hosts, Pakistan are likely to play their 2023 ODI World Cup matches in Bangladesh. Considering the political tensions between the two countries over the years, this idea has been discussed in a recent ICC meeting held in Dubai. India, on the other hand, are likely to play their Asia Cup matches in a neutral venue as the tournament is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

The idea of conducting Pakistan’s ODI World Cup matches and India’s Asia Cup matches in a neutral venue came up during the recent ICC meetings in Dubai. However, no official announcement has yet been made regarding either of the two issues. During the meeting, the PCB also pointed out that if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan this year, it might have a potential impact on the ICC Champions Trophy which, too, is likely to be held in Pakistan in 2025.

The 2023 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be played across ten venues in India from October 5. Ahead of the mega affair, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made it clear that their participation in the showpiece event will depend on India’s decision on the Asia Cup. 

Asia Cup likely to be conducted in hybrid model with India playing their matches outside of Pakistan

Earlier, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that India will not travel to Pakistan for the continental championship this year. Subsequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also hinted that they would boycott the World Cup if the hosting rights were to be taken away from them. Notably, the World Cup is scheduled to be held during October and November this year and the Asia Cup will be played in September, just before the mega-tournament.

Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has supported the idea of conducting the Asia Cup in a hybrid model. The neutral venue where India would be playing their matches is yet to be fixed. Notably, UAE, Oman, Sri Lanka or England could be shortlisted as one of the venues.

The 2021 Asia Cup was postponed and conducted last year due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and was played in the UAE. Initially, Pakistan acquired the hosting rights but swapped with Sri Lanka due to their political tensions with India. The 2018 Asia Cup was also held in the UAE after the hosting rights were taken away from India.

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