Pakistan get government clearance for the 2023 ODI World Cup
Pakistan cricket team will travel to India to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup, removing doubts regarding their participation. They have received clearance for the same from the government. While there are no doubts about their participation in the quadrennial event, PCB hasn't taken a decision on their match against India in Ahmedabad. However, they haven't demanded a change in venue. Here's more.
A statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports should not be mixed with politics," Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "It has, therefore, decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023." "Pakistan believes that state of relations with India shouldn't stand in the way of fulfilling its international sports-related obligations," the statement read.
PCB has concerns over their team's security in India
The statement released also states their concerns over their teams' security arrangements during the tournament. "Pakistan, however, has deep concerns about the security of its cricket team," the statement said further. "We are conveying these concerns to the International Cricket Council and the Indian authorities. We expect that full safety and security of Pakistan cricket team will be ensured during its visit to India."
The India-Pakistan game was rescheduled due to Navratri
The India versus Pakistan World Cup group stage match was scheduled on October 15. But the game coincided with the first day of the popular Hindu festival of Navratri. Therefore the game was preponed to October 14. Later, Pakistan's game against SL was also rescheduled from October 12 to 10, giving them enough time between the two matches. The PCB has accepted those changes.
Pakistan-England may also get rescheduled
As ESPNCricinfo, the Cricket Association of Bengal has requested BCCI to reschedule the match between England and Pakistan from November 12 to 11 because it coincides with the popular Hindu festival of Kali Puja. The city police authorities have raised their concern to CAB, as it will be extremely difficult for them to maintain law and order and provide enhanced security to Pakistan.
The 2023 ODI World Cup will start on October 5
The showpiece event will start on October 5 with reigning champions England taking on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The World Cup will run till November 19, with matches scheduled in ten host cities- Dharamsala, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad. The final will be played in Ahmedabad, while Kolkata and Mumbai will host the semi-finals.
