PCB Informs ICC That World Cup Participation Linked with Government’s Approval

Wed May 31 2023
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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the participation of Pakistan’s national team in the upcoming World Cup is contingent upon government directives.

In a meeting between PCB officials, led by Chairman of the management committee Najam Sathi, and ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, and Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the PCB made it clear that it would adhere to the government’s instructions regarding the team’s involvement if the Indian team does not visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place in India later this year, and the PCB has emphasized that its participation in the tournament is subject to approval from the government. The PCB has taken a firm stance on its participation after India showed no flexibility in its conditions to participate in the Asia Cup 2023, insisting that the event be held at a neutral venue rather than in Pakistan, the host of the Asian premier cricket activity.

PCB Proposes Hybrid Model for Hosting Asia Cup

Moreover, the PCB proposed a hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not shown a clear stance on the ongoing issue related to Pakistan’s hosting of the tournament.

“We have a very clear stance on our participation in the World Cup and hosting the Asia Cup, and we are very clear on both the issues,” stated sources within the PCB. They further mentioned that the PCB has made every effort to host the Asia Cup on its soil and even presented a hybrid model to ensure the event takes place. However, India has not accepted this proposal.

The sources highlighted that the PCB is obliged to follow the government’s directives regarding the team’s participation in the World Cup.

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