ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally written a letter to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif through the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) seeking the government’s clearance on three key matters concerning Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October this year.
The letter, which was also shared with the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Interior, aims to obtain the government’s approval for Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup hosted by India. Additionally, the PCB has requested the government to assess the expected security arrangements at the five venues designated for Pakistan’s matches in the tournament.
A PCB spokesperson stated, “The PCB has officially contacted the government to seek guidance on its participation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Shortly after the World Cup schedule announcement, we wrote to our Patron, Honourable Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, through the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry, copying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, requesting clearance to participate in the World Cup.”
PCB Seeks Govt’s Advice on Venues
The letter, sent on June 27, also seeks the government’s advice on the venues allocated to Pakistan. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assigned the following venues for Pakistan’s matches:
- October 12: Pakistan vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
- October 15: Pakistan vs India in Ahmedabad
- October 20: Pakistan vs Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa in Chennai
- October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 5: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru
- November 12: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata
If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-final, it will be held in Kolkata, while the final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on November 15.
The PCB spokesperson emphasized that the process and steps to be taken regarding the World Cup are entirely at the discretion of the Government of Pakistan. If deemed necessary, an advance team may be sent to India to inspect the venues and hold meetings with the event organizers, but the final decision lies with the government.
In 2016, the Pakistan government dispatched a three-person delegation to India for a reconnaissance tour ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016. As a result of security concerns, the ICC moved Pakistan’s match against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
The PCB is now awaiting the government’s response and guidance, which will determine the subsequent course of action regarding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup.
