Pakistan’s Sports Minister Ahsan Mazari has raised an important concern regarding the schedule of the World Cup. He further said that Pakistan Cricket Board Acting Chairman Zaka Ashraf will attend the weekly meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Durban and discuss the issue.
Mazari stated that just as India cited security reasons for not playing the Asia Cup match in Pakistan, Pakistan also has security concerns in India.
In response, Pakistan proposes that the World Cup matches should be played in neutral countries. This demand will be presented against the ICC executive.
Uncertainty Surrounding World Cup Schedule
The schedule of the World Cup was released by the ICC and the Indian Cricket Board after the signing of the participation agreement by all cricket boards, including Pakistan. Najam Sethi was the interim chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board at that time.
Sethi further said that the final decision of the Indian cricket team to play in Pakistan can be taken by his government. So Pakistan’s decision to play the World Cup in India will also be subject to our government’s approval.
Appointment of Zaka Ashraf as Interim Chairman
Zaka Ashraf, a confidant of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been appointed as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He will hold this position for the entire term, as decided in the upcoming meeting of the board.
Formation of a High Power Committee
After Zaka Ashraf’s statement regarding the government’s decision, the Pakistan government formed a High Power Committee led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto. This committee includes high-ranking officials from the Security Council of Pakistan.
There is a possibility that some members of the committee will visit the Indian city where Pakistan is scheduled to play their match. However, whether the Indian government will allow such a visit is a bit difficult now.
Importance of India-Pakistan Matches
Matches between India and Pakistan generate substantial revenue through broadcasting and other income in ICC tournaments. The India-Pakistan match is not only a significant attraction for both countries but also for sports channels and OTT platforms worldwide.
If this match is not played, it would have a considerable impact on the tournament and stakeholders involved.
Tensions and Perception
While Pakistan expressed reluctance to play in certain centers, the Indian Cricket Board maintained those centers in the World Cup schedule. This has led to a perception among Pakistani citizens that the Indian government and Indian Cricket Board hold an upper hand, and Pakistani fans feel disregarded.
Consequently, the government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board may also be under pressure to maintain a dignified approach towards India and safeguard their self-respect.
The demand by Pakistan’s Sports Minister Ahsan Mazari to play all World Cup matches in neutral countries reflects the ongoing concerns surrounding security and tensions between India and Pakistan. This issue will be raised in the next meeting of ICC.
Where the employee will discuss such decision and take appropriate decision. It remains to be seen how the ICC and other cricket boards respond to this demand and find a resolution that ensures a fair and secure tournament for all participating teams.
Why does Pakistan want the World Cup matches to be played in neutral countries?
Pakistan has raised security concerns in India, similar to India’s reasons for not playing the Asia Cup match in Pakistan. To ensure the safety of their players and create a level playing field, Pakistan proposes playing the World Cup matches in neutral countries.
Who is Zaka Ashraf and why is his appointment significant?
Zaka Ashraf is the interim chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. His appointment holds significance as he is a trusted confidant of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will serve as chairman for the entire term.
What is the purpose of the High Power Committee formed by the Pakistan government?
The High Power Committee, led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, was formed to address the concerns surrounding Pakistan’s security and participation in the World Cup. The committee includes high-ranking officials from the Security Council of Pakistan and may visit the Indian city where Pakistan is scheduled to play their match.
How important are India-Pakistan matches in terms of revenue?
India-Pakistan matches generate substantial revenue through broadcasting and other income in ICC tournaments. The match is a major attraction for sports channels, OTT platforms, and viewers worldwide. Not playing this match would have a significant impact on the tournament’s financial success.
Why is there tension and perception regarding the World Cup schedule?
The perception among Pakistani citizens is that the Indian government and Indian Cricket Board have favored certain centers in the World Cup schedule. This has led to a sense of being looked down upon by Indian authorities. The government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board may face pressure to uphold their self-respect and respond accordingly.
