Pakistan’s demand has arisen due to the unwavering stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their refusal to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. It is noteworthy that Pakistan has been granted the hosting rights for the ODI-format Asia Cup 2023. However, the BCCI has expressed concerns over player security, leading to their reluctance to participate.
After several meetings involving officials from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), including former PCB chief Najam Sethi, a decision was reached to proceed with a hybrid model for the 50-over tournament. Under this model, some matches will take place in Pakistan, while others will be held at a neutral venue. The much-anticipated IND vs PAK match was initially planned to be held at a neutral venue.
Following the discussions among ACC officials, it was decided to host four matches in Pakistan and the remaining nine matches in Sri Lanka, which will serve as the neutral venue.
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The participation of Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled for October-November, remains uncertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed both the BCCI and ICC that their involvement in the tournament, to be held in India, depends on their government’s approval.
To address this matter and the issue of India not traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan government has formed a high-level committee. The committee will be led by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and will deliberate on the decision of sending Pakistani cricketers to India for the World Cup 2023.
The Minister responsible for Sports in the Pakistan Government, who is also a member of the aforementioned committee, expressed the desire for World Cup matches to be held at neutral venues if India declines to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The Minister highlighted that if the Indian board has concerns regarding security in Pakistan, then Pakistan can also question the security situation in India.
