Pakistan’s Sports Minister Ehsaan Mazari has issued a warning to the BCCI, which is hosting the World Cup 2023, over Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Mazari claims that his Pakistan team has the authority to ask for a neutral location for the international competition.
India’s decision to cancel its participation in the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, citing ongoing political tensions between the two nations, cast doubt on the tournament’s future. Though, The ACC approved a hybrid format and the tournament was given approval last month.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, although India’s matches are set to take place in Sri Lanka, with only four matches being scheduled for Pakistan locations.
Mazari expressed his opinion and said that the Pakistan Cricket Board is a part of his ministry. Mazari is also a member of the prominent committee set up by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into Pakistan’s involvement in the World Cup being held by India.
He highlighted that Pakistan should have the same privilege for its World Cup 2023 games in India if India insists on playing its Asia Cup games at a neutral location.
“Pakistan is the host, and it has the right to hold all the matches in Pakistan. That is what the cricket lovers want; I don’t want a hybrid model,” Mazari stated.
Committee Will Decide Pakistan’s Participation in World Cup 2023 in India
According to Ehsaan Mazari, the committee, which includes 11 ministers, including himself and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, will discuss the issue and make ideas to the Prime Minister, who acts as the PCB’s patron-in-chief. The Prime Minister will be given the final word on whether Pakistan will take part in the World Cup.
It is not a new idea to call for neutral venues for important cricket competitions; in the past, instability in politics has impeded international sporting relationships.
In order to establish a fair and secure atmosphere for all competing teams, neutral venues are utilized. This minimizes any biases and maintains the focus on the game directly.
The cricketing world is eagerly awaiting the committee’s final judgement on Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup while talks and deliberations take place within it.
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