PCB Uncertain But ICC ‘Confident’ Pakistan Will Visit India For ODI World Cup: Report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is “confident” that the Babar Azam-led side would play in the 50-over showcase, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) continued reservations about sending its team to India for the ODI World Cup. The PCB requested that their matches in Chennai and Bengaluru not be scheduled against certain teams when the ICC released the schedule for the tournament on Tuesday.

In addition to not wanting to play Afghanistan in Chennai on a surface that encourages spin, PCB also did not want to play Australia in Bengaluru.

It was announced in Mumbai that Pakistan would play India on October 15 in Ahmedabad, as well as Australia on October 20 and Afghanistan on October 23, all at pre-selected locations.

The PCB quickly said that approval from the government is required for its participation in the ODI World Cup.

Government approval is required for both our World Cup participation and our games on October 15 in Ahmedabad or in Mumbai if we advance to the semifinals, according to a PCB official.

The PCB spokesman said that as it was a delicate matter, the Board could only proceed after receiving clear instructions from the government. The government has not yet given the PCB a NOC to fly to India.

The official said, “We have already informed the ICC that our participation in the competition or any concerns over venues are linked to the PCB first receiving clearance from the government to travel to India.”

The international governing body “100% expects them to be there and has had no indications to the contrary” according to Pakistan’s signed participation agreement.

“We recognise the fact that each member is required to adhere by the laws and regulations of their own nation. However, we’re optimistic that Pakistan would attend the men’s cricket World Cup in India, an ICC spokeswoman told PTI. The last time Pakistan played in India was in the T20 World Cup in 2016. Due to the strained ties between the two nations, the two teams compete against one another in ICC competitions and the Asia Cup.

It was anticipated of the ICC to reject Pakistan’s request to move two matches since it typically tackles issues about locations with possible security threats rather than cricket grounds. It is unclear how the Board will respond to the release of the World Cup schedule since the elections for PCB chairman have been delayed at least until July 17.

Confusion now prevails in Pakistan cricket as a result of the Balochistan High Court’s decision to grant a stay on the Monday election for the position of chairman in response to petitions submitted by two former members of the PCB’s cricket management committee.

Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana serves as the Board’s temporary chairman after Najam Sethi’s departure.

The Board of Governors must approve Zaka Ashraf’s nomination for the chairmanship before she can assume formal control of the important position.