The upcoming ODI World Cup is going to be held in India. But still the Pakistan Cricket Board is questioning the consent of the Pakistani team to come to India for this tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unable to decide whether to send its team to India or not.
On the other hand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is hopeful that the Babar Azam-led side will finally feature in the prestigious 50-over tournament. With the recent release of the World Cup schedule by the ICC, discussions and deliberations have intensified among the cricketing fraternity.
The ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule
The ICC has recently released the grand schedule of the ODI World Cup tournament to be played in India. This tournament is to be played from 5 October to 19 November. Hosted by India this time, the tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle for cricket fans across the globe.
The tournament will see the top cricketing nations competing for the coveted trophy. However, the PCB’s proposal to host Pakistan’s matches in Chennai and Bengaluru was not accepted.
The PCB had expressed concerns about playing against Afghanistan on the turning pitch of Chennai and Australia in Bengaluru.
Government Approval – A Crucial Factor
In light of the World Cup schedule announcement, the PCB emphasized that the final decision to participate would rest with the government’s approval.
A PCB official stated, “It depends on the government’s approval whether we play the World Cup and play in Ahmedabad on October 15 or in Mumbai if we reach the semi-finals.” The ICC, while acknowledging that member boards must adhere to their respective country’s laws, expressed confidence that the Pakistan team would ultimately come to India to participate in the ODI World Cup.
Tense Bilateral Relations
The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan has been characterized by political tensions between the two neighboring nations. Due to strained relations, the two teams rarely engage in bilateral series outside of ICC tournaments or the Asia Cup.
This time also PCB had requested to shift the matches. As a result, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) rejected this request of Pakistan. Under ICC rules, such requests are usually granted only in the event of security threats.
The decision of the PCB regarding the World Cup schedule is awaited, especially with the postponement of the election for the post of PCB chairman until July 17.
The participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India hangs in the balance, pending government approval. The decision to send the team is critical and depends on various factors, including the prevailing political and diplomatic circumstances.
Cricket lovers are eagerly waiting for this tournament. Fans and experts alike are hopeful of a positive result. The tournament will provide an opportunity to the players to showcase their skills on a global platform.
Will the Pakistan cricket team participate in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India?
At present, the decision is pending government approval. The final call rests with the authorities.
Why did the PCB’s request to host matches in Chennai and Bengaluru get turned down?
The PCB expressed concerns about playing against Afghanistan in Chennai and Australia in Bengaluru. However, their request was not accepted.
How often do India and Pakistan play bilateral series?
Due to political tensions, India and Pakistan rarely engage in bilateral series outside of ICC tournaments or the Asia Cup.
When will the election for the post of PCB chairman take place?
The election for the post of PCB chairman has been postponed and is now scheduled for July 17.
What happens if the Pakistan cricket team doesn’t participate in the World Cup?
If Pakistan decides not to participate, it will have a significant impact on the tournament dynamics and the schedule of matches.