The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the national team’s participation in the World Cup, slated to occur in India this year, hinges on the government’s approval, according to The News.
This declaration emerges against India’s rigidity regarding the conditions for partaking in the Asia Cup 2023, primarily insisting on the tournament at a neutral venue.
Given the strained political ties between the nations, Pakistan and India have suspended bilateral cricket, with matches restricted to multi-team events. Despite PCB proposing a hybrid model for hosting this regional cricket tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still seems hesitant to provide clear assent.
During a key meeting with ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and Chief Executive Geoff Allardice in Lahore, PCB officials clarified that they would abide by the government’s directives concerning World Cup participation if India refrains from attending the Asia Cup in Pakistan.
Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, welcomed the senior ICC officials during their two-day trip to Pakistan on Tuesday. Even though issues regarding PCB’s stake in ICC revenue and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) affairs were discussed, a consensus remained elusive. Consequently, negotiations between PCB and ICC will extend into another day before the ICC officials depart.
This visit marks ICC Chairman Barclay’s maiden trip to Pakistan.
PCB’s endeavors to host the event stem from their attempts to resuscitate international cricket in the financially-strained nation. Still, these efforts seem to be consistently thwarted by their long-standing rival, India.”