Pakistan Cricket Board. (Photo Source: Twitter/TherealPCBmedia)
The much-awaited schedule for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was finally released by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and ICC (International Cricket Council) on Tuesday, June 27, in Mumbai. Despite the protest by the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) regarding the venue for the India vs Pakistan game, there was no change in the schedule, and the game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In a new development, PCB has stated that it requires clearance from the Pakistan government to travel to India and participate in the marquee event. Notably, India and Pakistan don’t have bilateral cricketing ties since 2013. The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 and, since then, have only faced each other in multinational tournaments.
“The PCB requires clearance from the Government of Pakistan for any tour to India, including the match venues,” a PCB spokesperson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The source further said that they’re in communication with their government, and once they receive a response, they will update the ICC.
“We are in communication with our government to seek guidance, and once we receive a response from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC). This stance aligns with what we communicated to the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared the draft schedule with us and sought our feedback,” added the spokesman.
However, both the ICC and BCCI are confident that the Pakistan team will travel to India.
One of PCB’s objections was regarding the India-Pakistan game being held in Ahmedabad. They had expressed a desire to play in Chennai or Bengaluru instead. Additionally, they wanted the hosts, BCCI and ICC, to switch their games against Afghanistan and Australia, which are currently scheduled in Chennai and Bengaluru.
Pakistan have signed a participation agreement to compete, and we expect them to be there and have had no indications to the contrary, ” a spokesperson of the world body said.
“All Members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country, and we respect that. But we’re confident Pakistan will be in India for the Men’s Cricket World Cup,” the spokesperson added.
The PCB and the BCCI were at loggerheads since the start of the year regarding the finalising of the venue for the Asia Cup 2023. India had denied to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, while Pakistan had threatened to pull out of the World Cup in retaliation.
Pakistan to play their semi-final in Kolkata if they qualify
The two boards finally reached the middle ground regarding the continental tournament, with the tournament set to be held in a hybrid manner where India will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will play their league games across five venues in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. The BCCI and ICC have also made it clear that Pakistan will play their semifinal in Kolkata if they manage to qualify for the knockout stage.