Former ODI World Cup champions, Pakistan recently requested for a change in venues for matches against Afghanistan and Australia. Against the Blue Brigade, Afghanistan, they will play in Chennai as per the tentative schedule. On the other hand, the Green Brigade will take on Australia in Bengaluru. Notably, the former champions want the change of venues to have an advantage in both games.
“Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible. Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favorites in both matches,” the note read.
However, the Apex Council and the Indian Cricket Board have rejected the idea. They have reportedly informed about their joint decision to PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board). As per Cricbuzz, the meeting between the Council and the Indian board was held on June 20.
As reported by Pakistani media a while back, the Babar Azam-led side requested to change the venue as per the right. However, the Indian Board, being the host has the prerogative to change the venue/allot the venue alongside the Governing Council. Notably, Chennai and Bangalore were allocated to Pakistan for their matches as these cities are the safest options for them.
With the political friction between India and Pakistan, it will be wise not to host Pakistan in the Western and Northern parts of India. Not to forget, during the 2016 20-20 World Cup, the Green Brigade suffered a backlash after the Pathankot attacks. This is why their match against India was shifted to Kolkata.
Pakistan’s Tentative World Cup 2023 Schedule
- October 6: Pakistan vs Qualifier in Hyderabad
- 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
