It looks like the drama between India and Pakistan Cricket Boards over ODI World Cup participation. Apparently, PCB and Indian boards have had a fight over the Asia Cup 2023 venue in the last few months. Recently, the Asian Cricket Council has accepted the Hybrid Model proposed by PCB keeping the Men In Blue in mind. Apparently, the Indian team can’t travel to Pakistan due to non-permission from the government.
On the other hand, the Indian board assured Pakistan of visas and top-notch security for the Green Brigade a few months back. However, PCB Chief Najam Sethi has said that Pakistan traveling to India for the showpiece event will depend on clearance from the government.
“We have written to the ICC that we can’t give approval or disapproval to this (World Cup schedule),” Sethi said.
“It’s our government who has to decide, just like when it comes to India, it’s their government that decides when they go to play. There is no point asking us if we will play in Ahmedabad. When the time comes, first it will be decided whether we are going or not, then the government decides where we will go. Our decision will rest on these two important conditions,” he added.
PCB also expressed apprehension regarding playing against India in Ahmedabad
Notably, PCB has been expressing its concerns regarding playing their tie against India in Ahmedabad. A while back, Sethi said that scheduling their match against their Asian rivals in the capital of Gujarat is the best way of keeping them away from the tournament. Now, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi said that PCB must avoid these apprehensions.
“Why are they declining to play on Ahmedabad pitches? Does it hurl fire or is it haunted?” Afridi questioned.
“Go and play – go, play and win. If these are the foreseen challenges, then the only way to overcome them is through a comprehensive victory. What matters at the end of the day is Pakistan team’s win. The crux only and only lies in there. Take this rather positively. If they [India] are comfortable there, you should go, pull a victory in front of packed Indian crowd and show them what you got,” he added.
