Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup: The wait is over and Pakistan finally has decided to send their cricket team for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 but also raised concerns regarding the safety of the side in India.
Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan issued a statement affirming its commitment to keeping sports and politics separate. Despite “deep concerns” about the security arrangements in India, the government believes that fulfilling international sports-related obligations should not be hindered by bilateral relations with India.
It stated: “Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports should not be mixed with politics. It has, therefore, decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023,”
Also Read: Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup
Pakistan’s decision to send their cricket team to India is seen as a constructive and responsible approach, especially in light of India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Though Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup, they showed some concerns regarding the security of their team in India. They conveyed this in a statement saying:
“Pakistan has deep concerns about the security of its cricket team. We are conveying these concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian authorities. We expect that the full safety and security of the Pakistan Cricket Team will be ensured during its visit to India,”
Whether Pakistan Will Play in Ahmedabad is Still a Question Mark
While the statement signifies Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup, it also indicates areas of divergence that warrant attention. Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet decided whether to play the group stage game against India in Ahmedabad or request a change of venue.
Also Read: Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup
Though Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup, the issue of security for the team remains paramount, and the PCB is set to communicate its concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Indian authorities. The assurance of “full safety and security” for the players during their visit to India is of utmost importance.
As the World Cup schedule faced delays and alterations, Pakistan’s fixture against India was brought forward to avoid clashing with the Hindu festival of Navaratri. However, this change led to a chain reaction, with the game against Sri Lanka moved to accommodate ample preparation time for Pakistan. Despite expressing some frustration at the continuous fixture rejigging, the PCB eventually accepted these changes.
Also Read: Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup
While the PCB has not officially requested a reconnaissance delegation to assess the venues, there might be a possibility of a security team visiting India in the future. The tournament’s matches are set to take place in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, with an eagerly awaited clash against India likely to occur on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
The decision by the Pakistan government emphasizes the importance of separating politics from sports, ensuring that cricket serves as a unifying force rather than a source of discord. Nonetheless, the security concerns loom large, and it is crucial for the ICC and Indian authorities to address them promptly to ensure a smooth and safe tournament for all teams.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to preparing for the 2023 World Cup. While the fixtures have been finalized, fans eagerly await the announcement of ticket sales. The tournament promises to be a celebration of cricketing excellence, with reigning champions England taking on New Zealand in the opening match on October 5, and the grand finale set for November 19.
For more, check out: Pakistan Team Get Govt Clearance for ICC World Cup
Get ICC World Cup 2023 Live Score & ICC World Cup 2023 Team Squads along with ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
