CWC 2023: The mystery surrounding Pakistan’s attendance at the forthcoming ODI World Cup continues to deepen. In a recent press conference, PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, reiterated this uncertainty. He declared that the Pakistani cricket team’s participation, in the tournament held by India, hinges on government approval.
With the World Cup a mere four months away, the BCCI is still silent on a schedule for this colossal cricketing event. Sethi’s latest comments, as Chairman of the Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, add an unexpected element to the unfolding narrative.
When asked about Pakistan’s potential involvement in the competition, Sethi candidly confirmed it is not a decision for the board. Instead, he emphasized, the team’s trip to the neighbouring nation requires official government consent. Moreover, the selected playing venues also demand the Pakistani government’s endorsement.
Sethi unveiled these stipulations during PCB’s response to the ICC concerning the World Cup draft schedule. He articulated, “Our role doesn’t involve approving or disapproving travel to India. That responsibility falls to our government, as it does for India. The possibility of playing in Ahmedabad or elsewhere will be addressed later. When the time comes, a decision will be made about our attendance.”
“The government will then provide guidance on approved playing locations. We have communicated to the ICC that, given these conditions, we may confirm our participation or non-participation at any time,” Sethi continued. He evoked memories of 2016 when India refrained from travelling to Pakistan, yet the Pakistani team journeyed to India.
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CWC 2023: PCB Chief says that the Pakistani Government will decide
Deciding on whether to attend or not involved serious discussions. Following these deliberations, the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif greenlighted the team’s participation.
Sethi cautioned that it is too early for definitive talk. “The prevailing government at that time will make the final call. Once a stable government is in place, we will seek their guidance,” Sethi noted.
He also indicated their communication to the ICC that Pakistan’s attendance will be contingent on security conditions and governmental approval. “If our government greenlights our participation, then we will participate. But in its absence, our hands are tied,” Sethi concluded.
In summary, the suspense around Pakistan’s involvement in the upcoming ODI World Cup persists. The tale is constantly evolving, and it seems that it will remain an open question until the government has its say. Meanwhile, the cricket world awaits with bated breath.
