Wasim Khan, the Apex Cricket Council’s General Manager of Cricket, believes that Pakistan may end up playing their 2023 World Cup matches at a neutral venue rather than India. Earlier, India refused to visit Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup in 2023.
The Asia Cup was facing boycott threats from Pakistan, forcing India to consider a hybrid model for the tournament. Other teams would play their matches in Pakistan, while the Indian team would play in another country under this model.
According to media reports, Pakistan is now considering playing their World Cup matches in a neutral location. “I don’t know if it would take place here on in a different country but a neutral venue is highly likely,” the former CEO of the PCB Wasim Khan said in an interview with a local TV channel.
He added, “I don’t think that Pakistan will play their World Cup matches in India. I think their matches will also be held at a neutral venue just like India’s Asia Cup matches.”
According to Pakistani media reports, Bangladesh is being considered as a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches. However, 12 venues in India have been shortlisted in India to host all the World Cup matches.
Wasim Khan has no business talking about the neutral venue: Indian Cricket Board Official
The Apex Cricket Council distanced itself from its general manager’s remarks, stating that he does not represent their position. An Indian Cricket Board official reacted even harsher, questioning Khan’s standing to make such remarks. “Wasim Khan has no business talking about the neutral venue, he should stop behaving like a PCB CEO,” said a top Indian Cricket Board official.
The World Cup is scheduled for October-November, but the schedule has yet to be announced by the Indian Cricket Board and the Apex Cricket Council. The big India-Pakistan game has been rumoured to take place in Delhi or Chennai, but nothing has been confirmed.
The Indian Cricket Board is thought to be planning to hold the 48 games in 12 cities, with each receiving four matches and the final being held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is almost certain to host one semifinal match, with the location of the other semifinal still being discussed.
Here is how Twitter reacted
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BCCI : pic.twitter.com/ljW0j6APKW
— Prince (@Naturel20796639) March 30, 2023
Ya allah…gazab beizzati pic.twitter.com/5JeEg6RHa4
— Luka Modri??? (@LasskuTapa) March 29, 2023
Better if Pakistan leaves the World Cup League. Atleast, they could spare the embarrassment.
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) March 29, 2023
Actions speaks louder than words. But in Pakistan's case it's reverse.
— Tom Gravestone (@Whygravestone) March 29, 2023
I'm curious… What will happen in the champions trophy ?
— Maaheek Nand Rai (@MaaheekNand) March 29, 2023
Wasim Khan BC Jada pic.twitter.com/JGUKBOr4H1
— ?????????. (@thexkidd__) March 29, 2023
Ye toh beizzati kardi let's laugh together on Pakistan ????? pic.twitter.com/U3UobIShYt
— Lord Voldemort (@Smart_Ladka) March 29, 2023
No matter who wants a neutral venue or not, in the end, what Rohit Sharma wants will happen.
Face of World Cricket: King Rohit ?
— GOATROHIT45 (@sachinq518) March 29, 2023
ICC's GM Wasim Khan: Pakistan likely to play their World Cup matches outside India.
Top BCCI official: GM Wasim Khan.
— Oggy ? (@SirOggyBilla) March 29, 2023
— ???_????? ?? (@sammyahir_07) March 29, 2023
