The BCCI and ICC officially announced the eagerly anticipated schedule for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Mumbai on Tuesday, June 27. Despite objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the venue for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match, they made no changes to the schedule and will hold the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In a new development, the PCB has stated that it requires approval from the Pakistani government to travel to India and participate in the prestigious tournament. It is worth noting that India and Pakistan have not had bilateral cricketing relations since 2013. The two teams last engaged in a bilateral series during the 2012-13 season and have only faced each other in multinational tournaments since then.
“The PCB requires clearance from the Government of Pakistan for any tour to India, including the match venues,”
a PCB spokesperson said.
“We are in communication with our government to seek guidance. And once we receive a response from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC). This stance aligns with what we communicated to the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared the draft schedule with us and sought our feedback,”
the spokesperson further added.
PCB objected to the India-Pakistan match being held in Ahmedabad and proposed Chennai or Bengaluru as alternate venues. They also requested BCCI and ICC to switch their games against Afghanistan and Australia to Chennai and Bengaluru. However, the ICC spokesperson stated that Pakistan has signed a participation agreement. And there are no indications of them not being present at the tournament.
Pakistan to play their semi-final in Kolkata if they qualify
The two boards have agreed to hold the continental tournament in a hybrid format. With India playing all matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan will compete in league games at five venues in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. If Pakistan qualifies, their semifinal will be held in Kolkata.
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