Apex Council has no written assurance of Pakistan’s participation in ODI World Cup 2023 – Report

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given no written assurance to the Apex Council on their participation in the ODI World Cup 2023. In September last year, they threatened to boycott the showpiece event if India didn’t travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. However, a while before his ouster as PCB chairperson, Ramiz Raja verbally assured that his national side will play the World Cup.

Meanwhile, months after this, fresh reports have emerged that Pakistan will play most of its games in Chennai and Bangalore. Against India, the Green Brigade might have to play in Ahmedabad. However, another report suggests that the board has requested for the game to be shifted to their preferred venues. Meanwhile, fresh reports have suggested that the board is yet to give written assurance to Apex Council.

“India coming to Pakistan and Pakistan going to India doesn’t depend either on Indian Cricket Board or PCB. So, PCB can’t give any assurance to the Apex Council about its participation in the global event.

“It is the Pakistan government that will give approval just like in case of the Indian Board, it can only come to PCB subject to government clearance,” an Apex Council board member privy to developments told PTI on Wednesday.

However, there are quite a lot of chances that Pakistan will play in the World Cup. After all, there is a lot riding on for the 1992 World Cup winners on financial terms. They would get participation fees, alongside the prize money depending on the team’s performance. The board can’t rule out the importance of this money as it would help run cricket in Pakistan. Also, the government of Pakistan would consider the same factors.