Despite the ICC releasing the schedule for the upcoming ODI World Cup, Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed dissatisfaction with the venues of some fixtures. Basit Ali, a former Pakistani cricketer, has urged the board to put aside their disagreements and attend the World Cup in India. The PCB reportedly has concerns about playing against India in Ahmedabad and objected to the venue in Chennai for the game against Afghanistan. However, Basit Ali criticized the board for their behavior and emphasized the importance of participating in such a prestigious tournament. He believes that the pressure will be on India when facing Pakistan in a packed stadium in Ahmedabad.
Basit Ali said:
“I am hearing on news channels and YouTube that Pakistan may not be willing to play their matches in Ahmedabad and one more venue. Why not? ICC’s schedule for the World Cup is a huge advantage for Pakistan. If 1,25,000 come to attend the match in Ahmedabad, the pressure is on India, and not Pakistan. If India was to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan, then pressure would have been on Pakistan”
“I don’t know why people can’t understand this simple thing. And Afghanistan is a weak team – yes, they have good spinners – but wherever the schedule has been finalised, just play. This is nonsense. I keep hearing that Pakistan may not get the permission. Of course, they will. Boss, it’s not some local tournament. It’s a bloody World Cup,”
he further added.
Normally, each team will be playing two warm-up matches, but in Pakistan’s case, they will technically be playing 4: Basit Ali
“Now the second part… the advantage which Pakistan has. Normally, each team will be playing two warm-up matches, but in Pakistan’s case, they will technically be playing 4 – two practice games and one each against the two qualifying teams – before they face India in Ahmedabad,”
he further stated.
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