Ehsan-ur-Rehman Mazari, Inter-provincial Coordination Minister, announced security concerns regarding Pakistan’s cricket team’s travel to India for this year’s 50-over World Cup. He mentioned that the matter will be brought up with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The decision to raise these concerns was made by a committee, chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Mazari stated that they have requested the ICC to provide a guarantee for security during the tournament. Additionally, the government has reservations about some World Cup venues, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will present these concerns to the ICC for review.
Bilateral cricket matches between Pakistan and India have been on hold due to strained political relations, and they have only played each other in multi-team events at neutral venues in the last decade. The ICC had revealed the World Cup fixtures, with a much-awaited Pakistan vs. India match scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad in mid-October.
However, the PCB emphasized that they still require clearance from the Pakistani government for any tour to India, including the World Cup match venues. They are in communication with their government for guidance, and this position aligns with what they had previously informed the ICC when the draft schedule was shared.
If Pakistan receives approval to play in Ahmedabad, the match would be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 132,000, making it the world’s largest cricket venue. The World Cup is scheduled to be played from October 5 to November 19.
