Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials revealed that Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup 2023 is subjected to government clearance to participate in the marquee event later this year. The Men in Green will require clearance from the government to travel to the neighbouring country for the World Cup.
Pakistan is expected to participate in the World Cup and is currently waiting for clearance from its government to play in the mega event. The development comes just a couple of days after the ICC finally announced the schedule for ICC World Cup 2023.
A PCB official said that the cricket board requires clearance from their government for their tour to India for the World Cup as the officials will assess the match venues due to the long-standing tension and conflicts between the two neighbouring countries.
Besides, a PCB official added they will engage with the ICC regarding the match venues once they receive confirmation from the government.
“The board requires the Government of Pakistan’s clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues, We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something from them, we will update the Event Authority [ICC]. This position is consistent with what we had told the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared with us the draft schedule and sought our feedback,” a PCB official said.
The report suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board is contemplating sending security officials to the five venues Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata to check the safety of the venue where the Pakistan team is scheduled to play matches in the World Cup. It is reported that PCB will work with ICC regarding the venue change if the Government does not approve their team to play in a particular venue.
Pakistan will take on their arch-rivals India in the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. This match is expected to be one of the most-watched contests in the tournament. Earlier, it was reported that Chennai will be the backup option to host the much anticipated India- Pakistan game if the Pakistan Government does not allow their team to play the match in Ahmedabad.